The U.S. Department of Education on Wednesday opened the Free Application for Federal Student Aid for the 2026-27 school year a week before the Oct. 1 deadline to do so.

“I am extremely proud to announce the earliest launch of the FAFSA form in history, which ensures American students and families have access to critical resources as they begin or continue their postsecondary education journey,” U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon said.

The FAFSA is the key to billions in federal student aid each year, unlocking Pell Grants, loans and work-study funds. Colleges and scholarship programs also use FAFSA data to decide who gets additional aid. For many families, completing the form is the first step in figuring out whether higher education is financially within reach.

For students in Ala

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