Applying for Financial Aid

Students may apply for financial aid months before the start of the academic year by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online. A student’s FAFSA is used to determine eligibility for financial aid, and a new FAFSA must be completed each academic year. Completing the FAFSA as early as possible may increase eligibility for certain types of financial assistance. The FAFSA application period for the 2027–2028 academic year opens Oct. 1, 2026.

Students complete the FAFSA at studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa, and must first create a StudentAid.gov account at studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch.

FAFSA Application Overview

When applying for financial aid, there are a few important things students should know about the FAFSA process.

FAFSA Year Selection

Students must complete the FAFSA that corresponds to the academic year in which they plan to enroll:

  • 2026–2027 FAFSA: Fall 2026, Spring 2027, Summer 2027 (uses 2024 federal tax information)
  • 2027–2028 FAFSA: Fall 2027, Spring 2028, Summer 2028 (uses 2025 federal tax information)

Information Used on the FAFSA

The FAFSA collects financial and household information from students and, when required, contributors. Information that may be needed includes:

  • Federal tax forms from two years prior to the FAFSA year
  • W‑2 forms and other income records, such as 1099 forms, from two years prior
  • Current net worth of assets, including cash, bank accounts, investments, real estate and businesses (primary residences and retirement plans are not reported as assets on the FAFSA)
  • Child support received during the most recent complete calendar year, if applicable
  • Contributor email address(es), if applicable

Additional information about FAFSA contributors, including parents, is available at:

School Information and Submission

When prompted to list schools on the FAFSA, students should enter Blackhawk Technical College’s Federal School Code: 005390. All FAFSA information should be reviewed carefully before signing and submitting.

After the student completes their portion of the FAFSA, any required contributors will receive an email from Federal Student Aid with instructions for completing their section. Each contributor must complete and sign their portion before the FAFSA is considered submitted.

Once all required sections are completed, the student will receive a confirmation email from Federal Student Aid. FAFSA status may also be checked by logging in to studentaid.gov.

Verification and Awarding of Financial Aid

A student’s FAFSA may be selected for verification by the U.S. Department of Education (ED). If selected, Blackhawk Technical College will notify the student by mail of any additional documentation required. In some cases, Blackhawk may require students to provide additional documents, even if the FAFSA is not selected for verification by ED. Students may view outstanding requirements in their Financial Aid Dashboard, accessible through the MyBTC student portal. A financial aid application is not considered complete until all required documentation is received.

After all documentation has been submitted, the Financial Aid Office will review the student’s information and determine the student’s financial aid eligibility. This process may take up to four weeks, depending on the time of year. Award information will be sent by mail. Financial aid award information is also viewable in the student’s Financial Aid Dashboard in MyBTC. Students should review the Estimated Award Offer letter and supplemental information carefully. Grants do not require acceptance. Students who wish to accept offered loans must follow the instructions included with the Estimated Award Offer.

Other Financial Assistance and Help

Students must notify the Financial Aid Department of all other sources of financial assistance related to their education, such as scholarships, financial support from federal, state, or local agencies, or employer tuition assistance, to ensure financial aid is awarded correctly.

Students may visit the Financial Aid Office in the Central Building at the Beloit-Janesville Campus for assistance. Assistance at the Monroe Campus is available by appointment. Students may also contact the Financial Aid Office at btcfinaid@blackhawk.edu or 608-757‑7664.