FAFSA Guide
The latest news on the 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid
Key FAFSA deadlines and dates
Late December 2023: soft launch of the 2024-25 FAFSA.
When FAFSA data will process: this began in mid-March.
When FAFSAs can be accessed to fix mistakes and make updates: the first half of April, per the Education Department.
Your school's FAFSA deadline: different states and colleges have different FAFSA deadlines, ranging from mid-January through June. Check with the financial aid office for potential deadline changes due to this year's delays.
College decision day: Typically May 1 for fall enrollment, though many colleges have pushed decision day into June to accommodate FAFSA delays.
June 30, 2024: federal deadline for the 2023-24 FAFSA.
June 30, 2025: expected federal deadline for the 2024-25 FAFSA. But remember: financial aid is first-come, first-served.
FAFSA FAQ
How to complete the FAFSA
Ready to submit your FAFSA? Head to FAFSA.gov, where you'll be able to create your FSA ID. You'll need your social security number and your own email address. The new form is shorter and designed to take less time: some say as little as 10 minutes, though budget more time if it's your first go or are completing forms for more than one student.