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University of Nebraska Medical Center

FAFSA

Free Application for Federal Student Aid

UNMC students who wish to be considered for federal, state, and institutional need-based grants and loans are required to complete the FAFSA each year.

The Office of Financial Aid team is happy to answer general filing questions; however, we do not offer in-office assistance to complete the online FAFSA application. We encourage students/families to visit the EducationQuest facilities to obtain assistance in completing the FAFSA. EducationQuest offers free FAFSA filing assistance to students and families. Appointments are required.

FAFSA Application Process

Review these steps as you complete the FAFSA application process. APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR PRIORITY PROCESSING: JUNE 1

Income Reduction Review

An income reduction review is relevant for undergraduate students only. Graduate and professional students are not eligible for need-based federal aid. The income/tax information plays no role in your eligibility for Direct Unsubsidized/Direct Graduate PLUS loan aid.

The following procedure for income reduction review is as follows:

  • The 2024-2025 FAFSA with valid 2022 Income/Tax Information must be on file in the UNMC Financial Aid Office before requesting the review. Our office will not consider income reduction reviews until a valid FAFSA with 2022 income/asset information is on file.
  • Submit a written request to finaid@unmc.edu with subject line: INCOME REDUCTION REVIEW. Provide a written explanation for the request. Our office will review the request and advise the student and/or parents of the appropriate documentation required for the income reduction review.

Accepted Circumstances for Income Reduction

The Office of Financial Aid will accept Income Reduction Reviews for the following reasons:

Finalization of Divorce

The undergraduate student or parents of a dependent student finalized a divorce in 2022 or 2023 and filed a joint 2022 tax return.

The student/parents must complete the 2024-2025 FAFSA using 2022 US IRS income/tax information from the joint tax return information before a review using 2023 income will be considered. A divorce decree will be required to consider the review. Reviews are not considered for the marital status of SEPARATED.

Parent Loss of Employment or Significant Decrease in Income (Dependent Student)

The parent/parents of an undergraduate dependent student lost a job or had a significant decrease in income for 2023, or the passing of a parent in 2022 or 2023 resulted in significant loss of income.

The student and parent(s) must complete the FAFSA with the 2022 US IRS income/tax information before a review using 2023 income will be considered.

Spouse Loss of Employment or Significant Decrease in Income (Married Student)

The spouse of an undergraduate student lost a job or had a significant decrease in income in 2023, or the passing of a spouse in 2022 or 2023 resulted in significant loss of income.

The student/spouse must complete the 2024-2025 FAFSA with 2022 US IRS income/tax information before a review using 2023 income will be considered.

Information for College of Nursing Students

Accelerated BSN Nursing

STEP 1: Apply for Federal Aid

Complete the FAFSA for both the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 aid years. When completing the FAFSA, you will be pursuing a second bachelor’s degree and not a graduate or professional degree.

FAFSA Schedule

FAFSA #1 2023-2024 FAFSA #2 2024-2025
Spring and Summer 2024 Fall 2024

STEP 2: Review Federal Student Loan Eligibility

Since this program is primarily loan aid borrowing, please review your student federal loan debt to determine remaining eligibility. 

Undergraduate Federal Loans

Category Dependent Students Independent Students
Undergraduate lifetime aggregate maximum $31,000 $57,500
Annual loan limits $7,500 $12,500

STEP 3: Review Other Student Loan Options

NOTE: During the fall semester, the federal student loan limits are half the annual amount.

Students may need to consider applying for a private loan to cover the costs of this program. Students will need to select a lender and complete an application directly through the lender of their choice. An application will need to be completed each academic year.

STEP 4: Scholarships

Upon admission, students can complete the UNMC scholarship application in your MyRecord To Do List. Review ScholarshipQuest for outside scholarship opportunities, regardless of admission status. 

STEP 5: Accept Aid Offer and Complete Loan Requirements

Students will receive an award offer for the spring and summer terms beginning in October and fall semester aid offers will be available starting in April. Students must accept the federal aid offer(s) before UNMC can process the accepted loan funds. All first-time UNMC borrowers will need to complete the Direct Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Loan Entrance Counseling before the loan funds can disburse. 

STEP 6: Disbursement and Refunds

Student aid will be disbursed five business days prior to the start of each semester. Any aid that exceeds direct charges will be refunded to the student. Students are encouraged to sign up for direct deposit of the refund. 

BSN Traditional: Summer Non-Degree Courses

Students who begin enrollment in the Traditional BSN program and choose to take courses during the summer prior to their admissions are not eligible for federal student aid, grants, or institutional scholarships since you are a non-degree seeking student during the summer term.

If choosing this option, you will need to pay the tuition and fee charges out of pocket or sign up for a payment plan through Student Accounts.

FAFSA - FAQs

What is the UNMC School Code for FAFSA data?
The UNMC School Code is 006895. All UNMC students, including those students attending UNMC programs on the campuses of Lincoln, Kearney, Scottsbluff and Norfolk must list this school code on their FAFSA application to insure the FAFSA is received at UNMC.
I have already submitted my FAFSA. The UNMC school code was not on my original submission; how do I add it?
Log in to your current FAFSA account and make a correction. Add the UNMC School Code 006895.
What is my deadline to have my Financial Aid information in?
UNMC encourages both new and returning students to complete the FAFSA or Renewal FAFSA Application by June 1.
Do I have to apply for financial aid each year?
Yes, all UNMC students who wish to be considered for federal, state and institutional need-based aid are required to complete the FAFSA each year.
I lost my StudentAid.gov account information, how do I replace it?
Return to the FAFSA website and apply for a new one.
I did not earn / earn enough income last year to file taxes, am I required to file taxes to complete the FAFSA?
Non tax filers have the option of answering the tax filing question with "WILL NOT FILE." Beginning with the 2012/2013 Award Year, the Department of Education will verify the reported tax filing status against the IRS tax database.