The 2025-2026 Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will be available to all families starting on December 1, 2024. This tool is crucial for families looking to receive financial aid for college, as it provides access to grants, scholarships, and Federal student loans. The Department of Education will be conducting a soft launch of the FAFSA on October 1 for testing and error correction before the full launch on December 1.
While the usual launch date for the FAFSA is October 1, this year’s opening date has been delayed until December 1. Last year, the FAFSA was delayed until December 28 and faced challenges even after its launch. Families with college-bound students need to be prepared to fill out the FAFSA as early as possible, as many need-based grants and scholarships are dependent on it and may be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. Families should plan on the December 1 opening date, with the potential for some lucky families to apply early.
Although the Federal government’s deadline for the FAFSA is June 30 of the following year, individual states may have earlier deadlines for aid eligibility. Families should review the FAFSA deadlines from the Department of Education to ensure they meet all necessary requirements. It is crucial for families to consider the cost of college and financial aid when creating a college application list. With the potential for delayed financial aid award notifications, families must be prepared to fill out the FAFSA in December and include financial safety schools in their college list in case of further delays.
Students and families are currently starting the college application process, with the Common App now open for submissions. It is essential to factor in financial aid considerations when applying to schools, as not knowing the financial implications could complicate future admissions decisions. It is crucial for families to be proactive in preparing for the FAFSA opening on December 1 and have a contingency plan in place to account for any potential delays in the financial aid award process.
