The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2026–27 school year opens October 1. This is the first step for many students and families seeking federal financial aid, including grants, work-study opportunities, and loans.
If you submitted your FAFSA during the recent beta window, you do not need to resubmit when the form officially opens.
Key Points to Know
Who Can File
Students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, or professional programs can apply — there’s no income cutoff to submit the FAFSA.
Deadlines
The federal deadline is June 30, 2026, but many colleges have earlier priority deadlines for institutional aid, some as early as January. Always check each school’s deadline to maximize your aid opportunities.
What to Have Ready
Before starting your FAFSA, create an account at StudentAid.gov and gather:
2024 tax returns
Records of child support paid or received
Cash, savings, and checking account balances
Social Security numbers for all contributors to the application
Having these documents ready will make completing the form faster and easier.
Important Changes on the FAFSA
For the 2026–27 school year, families will no longer report:
The value of small family-owned businesses
The value of a primary-residence farm
The value of family-owned commercial fishing businesses
These changes could simplify the application process for many families.
Policy Update to Know
Federal borrowing rules will change July 1, 2026. These changes will affect loans first disbursed on or after that date, including:
Elimination of the Grad PLUS loan
Caps on Parent PLUS borrowing
Students with loans disbursed before these changes will follow current rules for a limited period.
Where to Start
On or after October 1, go to StudentAid.gov to create your account and begin your FAFSA application. If you already submitted during the beta window, no additional submission is required.
💡 Pro Tip: Filing early can improve your chances of qualifying for aid. Even if you aren’t certain where you’ll attend college, submitting your FAFSA early helps keep options open and maximizes funding opportunities.
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