FAFSA Opens Early For 2025-2026: What Families Need To Know

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Source: The College Investor

Key Points​

• Early Access: Families can begin filing the FAFSA now, but should be aware it remains in beta testing, meaning minor technical issues may arise.
• Prepare Documents: Applicants should have their 2023 tax returns ready to streamline the application process and ensure accurate income reporting.
• FAFSA Deadlines: While the federal deadline is June 30, 2026, schools and states often set earlier deadlines for priority aid consideration

The Department of Education announced that the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now open for families to begin filing, weeks ahead of its official December 1 launch. This marks the final stage of beta testing for the 2025–26 application cycle, a move aimed at avoiding last year’s delays and technical glitches.

Families eager to secure financial aid can now visit StudentAid.gov to get started.

The early opening follows widespread criticism of last year’s FAFSA rollout, which suffered delays and technical errors. Traditionally launched on October 1, the FAFSA underwent significant revisions for the 2024–25 cycle, causing a months-long delay that disrupted financial planning for families. Federal Student Aid (FSA) officials aim to restore confidence by providing students with early access to the application.

Related: FAFSA Deadlines For Financial Aid

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How To Fill Out The FAFSA​

• Step-by-Step Guide To Filling Out The FAFSA
• What Families Need To Know About The Process

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Tips For Early FAFSA Filers​

Experts emphasize the importance of early filing, especially for families with high school seniors. Early submissions often receive priority consideration for state and institutional aid.

This is especially true for scholarships and grants offered directly by colleges. Once all the funds have been given out, there won't be any left for late filers. As a result, families should fill out the FAFSA as early as possible.

However, it's important for families to remember that the FAFSA is still in beta-testing right now. So, while it's open for all families, there may be downtime or errors. As such, families who do file early should give themselves time to address issues, or they may want to wait until the full release in December.

Looking Ahead​

While the FAFSA beta test has seen improvements, the Department of Education acknowledges the possibility of minor hiccups as the application scales up. Institutions, counselors, and families are still encouraged to provide feedback during this phase.

If you're uncertain about filing early, you can always plan to wait until early-December when the FAFSA is officially launched. However, the Department of Education has shared that since beta testing started in October, more than 14,000 students have successfully submitted their 2025–26 FAFSA forms. Furthermore, the Department has successfully processed the forms and sent over 81,000 records to more than 1,850 schools and 43 states.

If you're looking to get started on the FAFSA, now's the time to get ready. It's essential to maximize your financial aid.

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Editor: Colin Graves


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