The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) for the 2025–26 school year opened on October 1, 2024. Students should fill it out as soon as possible. Many programs give money on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early is important!
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Federal Deadline
For federal aid, the last day to send in your FAFSA is June 30, 2026. You can make changes or updates until September 14, 2026. But don’t wait until the last minute—many state and school programs have earlier deadlines.
State-Specific Deadlines
Each state has its own FAFSA deadlines. Some are much earlier than the federal one. Here are a few important dates:
- California: March 3, 2025, for most state aid like the Cal Grant. For community college Cal Grants, the deadline is September 2, 2025.
- Texas: January 15, 2025, for priority funding.
- Florida: May 15, 2025, for state aid programs.
- New York: Same as the federal deadline—June 30, 2026.
Many states give out funds early, so it’s a good idea to apply as soon as you can after October 1, 2024.
Notable Programs and Deadlines
- Alaska: Apply after October 1, 2024, for the Alaska Education Grant. For the Alaska Performance Scholarship, the deadline is June 30, 2025.
- Illinois: Monetary Award Program (MAP) grants are given first-come, first-served. Apply early!
- West Virginia: The Promise Scholarship application is due by March 1, 2025. Other forms might be needed too.
How to Apply
The easiest way to complete the FAFSA is online at fafsa.gov. Before you start, gather important papers like tax returns, Social Security numbers, and details about your family’s income.
Key Tips
- If it’s close to the deadline, apply online for faster processing.
- Check your school’s financial aid office for its own deadlines—they might be different.
- Some scholarships, like the Tennessee Promise Scholarship, need more forms besides the FAFSA.
Don’t Wait!
Financial aid helps students pay for college, so it’s important to apply early. Many programs run out of money fast. The sooner you send in your FAFSA, the better your chances of getting help for the 2025–26 school year!
