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.
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
Need to Know About Creating a StudentAid.gov Account
Here are some tips to help you get ready:
Welcome to the Future of Financial Aid Applications!
Accessing the 2024–25 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:
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Visit fsapartners.ed.gov/fafsa-prototype/2526
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Enter the access code: prototype2526
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!
Coming Soon: Fresh Resources and Updates Just for You!