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FAFSA Guide

FAFSA for the 2026-27 school year is open. Check deadlines and get expert guidance on completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. FAFSA can help maximize financial aid for new and current college students.

Key FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) deadlines and dates

  • Sept. 24, 2025: FAFSA for the 2026-27 academic year opened to all students.

  • Your school's FAFSA deadline: Different states and colleges have different FAFSA deadlines, ranging from mid-January through June.

  • College decision day: Typically May 1 for fall enrollment; some colleges may accept later dates.

  • June 30, 2026: Deadline for the 2025-26 FAFSA.

  • June 30, 2027: Deadline for the 2026-27 FAFSA

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How to complete the FAFSA

The first step in filling out the FAFSA is creating a Federal Student Aid ID. This username-password combination will allow you to fill out the form online and access information about your financial aid for years to come, including looking up any student loans you have to repay after graduation. If you’re a dependent student, your parent or guardian will need his or her own FSA ID.

Follow the instructions on StudentAid.gov to create your FSA ID.

Get organized before you fill out the FAFSA so you don’t need to search for financial information as you complete the form. Our FAFSA checklist will tell you which documents you’ll want to have handy before you start.

How you fill out the FAFSA depends on your family circumstances. Our guide has tips on what financial information to provide based on your situation, and where to get additional help if you need it. Choose the option below that best applies to you for guidance on how to answer each question on the FAFSA.

To speed up the application process and avoid mistakes, transfer your federal tax return information directly into your FAFSA using the Direct Data Exchange. When you reach the financial information section of the FAFSA, click “Link to IRS” to auto-fill the form with your information.

You’ll be asked to enter FAFSA school codes for up to 20 schools where you plan to apply. You can search for school codes within the online application. If you’re submitting a paper version of the FAFSA, you’re limited to four schools. Look up the school codes on StudentAid.gov.

If you haven’t decided where you’re applying by the time you fill out the FAFSA, list the schools you think are possibilities and submit the FAFSA as soon as possible. If you change your mind, you can always update your FAFSA. All of the schools you list will receive your FAFSA information for their financial aid use.

🤓Nerdy Tip

Ready to submit your FAFSA? Head to studentaid.gov, where you'll be able to create your FSA ID. You'll need your Social Security number and your own email address. Filling out the form will take about 20 minutes, though budget more time if it's your first time or you're completing forms for more than one student.