It’s time to apply for college.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is open and marks the beginning of college application season. The process should be streamlined after a couple of years of errors and delays, according to the Department of Education.

Chandra Scott, executive director of Alabama Possible, said the online application should be faster this year, a “game-changer” for busy families.

Starting July 1, 2026, there will be major new borrower limitations for some families and students due to President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill.”

What is the FAFSA?

The FAFSA is used to determine how much financial aid a college student can receive from the federal government. The application looks at several factors, including parents’ income, to determine eli

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