Applying for college financial aid? Here’s what’s different about this year’s FAFSA Education Oct 2, 2025 5:15 PM EDT

Students applying for college financial aid can start filling out their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) now. The updated form launched last week — the earliest it’s been available in the program’s history, according to the Department of Education. Experts are hopeful that other new changes will streamline the process for students and college financial aid advisors and prevent delays.

Students wishing to receive financial aid for the 2026-27 school year need to submit an application to be considered for federal student loans and grants. Congress in 2020 passed the FAFSA Simplification Act to make the application process easier, but previous cycles sinc

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