What to Expect from the 2025/2026 FAFSA®: Information & Tips for Students and Parents
If you’re gearing up to tackle the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) for the 2025/2026 academic year, we’ve got some important updates for you. We know that navigating the world of financial aid can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry—we’re here to break things down in a super simple way so you’ll be prepared when the time comes to apply.
The Good News and the Not-So-Good News
Let’s start with the good news: the 2025/2026 FAFSA® form will look the same as last year’s revised version. If you’ve already filled it out for the current school year, there won’t be any major surprises.
Now for the not-so-good news: the form won’t be available to everyone until December 2024. Yep, it’s going to be a bit of a wait. A small group of students and schools will get access to it earlier—around October 1st—but the rest of us will need to hang tight until December.
But hey, the key to conquering FAFSA® is preparation, and there’s plenty you can be doing now to make sure you’re ready!
Why the Wait?
The Department of Education initially hoped to launch the 2025/2026 FAFSA® form by October 1st for everyone, but in August 2024, they announced a two-phase release instead. The first phase will begin October 1st and involve a limited test group (with more info coming soon on how to sign up if you’re interested). After that, the form will roll out to all students by December.
While we wait, it’s good to know that most of the changes being made are behind-the-scenes tweaks. The same information will need to be entered as last year. So, how can you make sure you’re ready when the FAFSA® finally drops?
Steps to Prepare for the 2025/2026 FAFSA®
Even though the official launch is delayed, that doesn’t mean you should sit back and wait. Here’s what you can do right now to set yourself up for FAFSA® success:
1. Estimate Your Student Aid Index (SAI)
The Student Aid Index (SAI) is an estimate of how much your family will be expected to contribute toward college costs. While you won’t have your official SAI until the FAFSA® is processed, you can use tools like the My College Corner SAI Estimator to get a good sense of what it might look like.
This is super helpful when you’re narrowing down your college list. After all, knowing which schools are more likely to be affordable can save you time and energy in the long run!
2. Identify Your FAFSA® Contributors
The FAFSA® requires financial information from both the student and their parent(s) or guardian(s)—referred to as “contributors.” If your parents are divorced or separated, only the parent who provided the most financial support in the previous year needs to report their financial information.
Make sure everyone who needs to provide info is on board and aware of what will be needed (like tax returns and assets). Getting everyone on the same page early will help the process go more smoothly.
3. Gather Your Financial Documents
For the 2025/2026 FAFSA®, you’ll need to provide financial details from 2023 tax returns. Start by making sure your family’s 2023 taxes are filed and correct. In addition to income info, you’ll need to gather up-to-date information about assets (like savings accounts, investments, and even small business ownership).
Being organized now will save you a ton of stress when the form goes live. Here’s a handy FAFSA® Prep Assignment checklist for you to use!
4. Create Your FSA ID
An FSA ID is like your digital signature for the FAFSA® and other federal student aid applications. You and your parent(s) (if they’re contributing financial information) each need to create one at StudentAid.gov. Don’t wait until the last minute—you can do this now to avoid any delays when the form opens!
5. Know Your Deadlines
Different states and colleges have different deadlines for the FAFSA®, so it’s super important to double-check the dates for each school you’re applying to. Some schools use the FAFSA® to determine eligibility for state aid or school-specific scholarships, and missing the deadline could mean missing out on free money for college. Pro Tip: Apply as early as possible!
6. Search for Scholarships
While you’re waiting for FAFSA® day, why not start searching for scholarships? There’s tons of free money out there if you’re willing to look for it. Websites like Going Merry can help you find scholarships tailored to your qualifications and needs. It’s a great way to reduce the overall cost of college without taking on extra loans.
Who Should File the FAFSA®?
Even if you think your family earns too much to qualify for aid, it’s still a good idea to file. Many schools and federal programs use the FAFSA® to determine eligibility for things like Direct Student Loans, Work-Study Programs, and even merit-based aid. Plus, you never know what kind of financial aid you could qualify for until you apply!
All students, regardless of income, are eligible for federal student loans—but you have to file the FAFSA® to get them. So even if you don’t think you’ll qualify for need-based aid, you should still file.
What You Can Do If You’re Ineligible To File FAFSA®
If you’re ineligible to file the FAFSA®, there are still plenty of financial aid options available. You can explore scholarships offered by private organizations (like those found through Going Merry), local community groups, or your school, many of which don’t require the FAFSA®. Additionally, some states and schools offer their own financial aid programs for students, so be sure to check their specific requirements.
Final Thoughts
The FAFSA® delay may feel like a bump in the road, but it doesn’t have to throw off your college planning. By getting organized now, estimating your SAI, gathering your financial documents, and creating your FSA IDs, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running when the form is released.
Time is on your side—use it wisely! Get ahead of the game, and you’ll be in great shape when the 2025/2026 FAFSA® finally goes live. If you want to stay up-to-date on important deadlines like these, use Going Merry’s Smart Planner – it’s a free, customizable checklist to make sure you don’t miss anything. Good luck, and don’t forget to start your scholarship search early!
Remember: Every little bit helps when it comes to paying for college. You’ve got this!
Disclaimer: This blog post provides personal finance educational information, and it is not intended to provide legal, financial, or tax advice.
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