2026-27 FAFSA

The 2026-2027 FAFSA is now open and available! You will want to file your 2026-2027 FAFSA to prepare for Fall 2026. File as soon as possible to get your best aid offer! Our priority deadline is February 1, 2026.

STEPS TO PREPARE FOR THE 2026-2027 FAFSA:

• Create your FSA ID on studentaid.gov (student, parent contributor or spouse — anyone who will be a contributor of information on the FAFSA and use personal email addresses not school assigned ones so you have access to your account after graduation through this email address).
• Set aside at least 30 minutes to an hour to gather your documents and information (email address of parent contributor or spouse; their legal name; date of birth; social security number; and income and asset information for both you and your contributor on the FAFSA).
• Begin the 2026-27 FAFSA: FAFSA® Application | Federal Student Aid (It is important that students not other contributors begin and then invite others to contribute).
• If your parent or spouse must contribute information on your FAFSA, you will send them an invitation to do so.
• Your contributor will need to accept their 2026-27 FAFSA invitation with an invitation code they were emailed.
• Be sure to list Carson-Newman University to receive your results (Federal School Code 003481).
• Once all information is entered, you will need to sign and submit!
• Your FAFSA Application will provide your eligibility information to us through a calculated Student Aid Index (SAI).

2026-27 FINANCIAL AID TIMELINE

• October 1, 2025: FAFSA available, file today!
• Mid-October 2025: Our Financial Aid Office will begin reviewing 2026-2027 FAFSA results (If you did not provide your Social Security Number to us on your Admission Application, we will not be able to review your FAFSA – if you are unsure please call your Admissions Counselor to check this for you (865) 471-3223, please do not send sensitive information in an email or text).
•  December 2025: Financial Aid Offers will begin to be mailed for students accepted for Summer or Fall 2026.
• February 1, 2026: Priority FAFSA deadline for University Aid (make sure your FAFSA is filed no later than this date & all TN residents must also file no later than April 1, 2026, for full consideration of TN state-based aid).
• May 1, 2026: Accept your aid offer & Pay your Enrollment Deposit on or before this date.
• Spring and Summer: Sign up for classes and receive your billing statement.
• May-July 2026: Work with our Student One Stop Staff on payment details and be ready to begin school in August!

Student Aid Index (SAI)

The Student Aid Index (SAI) is used to determine students’ need-based aid eligibility.  The SAI is calculated by information provided on the FAFSA.  Your student financial need is calculated as follows:

Cost of Attendance (COA) – Student Aid Index (SAI) = Student’s Need

Our Financial Aid Office will use this calculation to determine need-based aid eligibility for over $20 million awarded in University Aid annually to students.