The 2025-26 FAFSA®

FAFSA® Start Date Delayed for 2025-26 School Year

On August 27, 2024, the U.S. Department of Education announced that the FAFSA for the 2025-26 academic year will be accessible to students and families starting December 1, 2024.

The deadline to submit the FAFSA for this school year is June 30, 2026.

 Although the FAFSA was originally set to resume its October 1 start date for the 2025-2026 school year, recent updates have revealed that it will only be available for testing purposes on October 1. The complete release of the 2025-2026 FAFSA is scheduled for on or before December 1, 2024.

FAFSA Updates for 2025-26: What's New?

The FAFSA application process is being improved for the 2025-26 school year. Here's a summary of the key changes  
2025-26 FAFSA® is Now Open!
Navigating the financial aid process can be challenging, but help is available. Visit the FAFSA Support page for resources, updates, and guidance on completing your Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Take advantage of workshops and expert assistance to ensure you’re set for financial success in your educational journey!
Get Support for Your FAFSA Application!
Visit the FAFSA Support page

Preparing for the 2025–26 FAFSA®

Prepare to complete the 2025–26 FAFSA form when it is released on or before December 1, 2024. The FAFSA® Guide will assist you in locating key information, such as how to obtain your FSA ID and what documents you and your parents will need.

Click here to access the FAFSA Guide

Here are some tips to help you get ready:

Get Started with an FSA ID! All applicants need to set up their FSA ID and await verification before diving into the FAFSA. Don’t wait—get your ID today for a smoother application process!
Gather Your Documents! Make sure you have your Social Security number, tax returns, W-2 forms, and records of untaxed income ready. If you're a dependent student, don't forget your parents' financial information. Being prepared will make the application process easier!
FAFSA Dependency Guide on Federal Student Aid The site provides resources for understanding if you're a dependent or independent student and handling special circumstances like dependency overrides. Visit the website to start your FAFSA application and explore financial aid options.
Who counts as a parent on the FAFSA® form? On the FAFSA® form, a parent is a biological or adoptive parent. For divorced parents, include the one you lived with most recently and their spouse if remarried. Legal guardians are not considered parents unless they adopted you.
2025-26 Federal Student Aid Estimator
The Federal Student Aid Estimator is an online tool that helps students figure out how much financial aid they might receive to help pay for college. By entering information about your family income, household size, and other factors, the estimator provides an estimate of federal student aid you may qualify for, including grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. This tool is especially useful for students planning their college finances and understanding what assistance is available to make higher education more affordable.

Welcome to the Future of Financial Aid Applications!

Accessing the 2025–26 FAFSA Prototype

Dive into an interactive experience with our FAFSA Preview page, designed to make navigating the financial aid process easier and more intuitive than ever. Whether you're a student preparing for your educational journey or a parent looking to support your child, this innovative tool offers a sneak peek into the streamlined FAFSA application. Discover how our user-friendly interface simplifies the steps to secure vital funding for your education. Let’s unlock the door to your academic dreams together—explore the new FAFSA experience today!

 To access the 2025–26 FAFSA Prototype, follow the steps below:

  1. Visit fsapartners.ed.gov/fafsa-prototype/2526

  2. Enter the access code: prototype2526

 

Important FAFSA Alerts!

Facing issues with your 2025-2026 FAFSA? The Department of Education has launched a dedicated page to keep you updated on FAFSA issues and offer helpful guidance!

FAFSA ISSUE ALERTS

Frequently Asked Questions

What's changing with the FAFSA for 2025-2026?  
When is the release date for 2526 FAFSA application?  
Why are these changes being made?  
What is the "Parent Wizard"?  

Stay Informed

Keep up-to-date on changes to the FAFSA for the 2025–26 academic year and receive timely notifications:

Follow Federal Student Aid on social media for valuable resources and announcements:

Stay updated! Click here to log in to your StudentAid.gov account and confirm your current email address to receive all the latest updates!