To determine the amount of federal financial aid for which a student is eligible, The University of Alabama uses the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students complete the FAFSA online at fafsa.gov. Information from the FAFSA will be forwarded to the University if the student designates UA as a recipient, using UA's federal school code 001051. Financial aid is not automatically renewed from year to year. Students must apply each year for all types of aid. Students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible after October 1st. Processing can take two to three weeks, so it is important to begin early. Although The University of Alabama sets no deadline to apply for federal financial aid, there is a December 1st. priority date to receive maximum consideration for all types of aid.