Although student aid is not impacted by the government shutdown, some local college officials say they are concerned that any FAFSA system hiccups could go unaddressed without people available to help at the federal level.

Students are encouraged to continue to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, which opened to everyone for the 2026-27 academic year on Sept. 24 and was available to a limited number of students before that. Applications for 2025-26 remain open until June 30, 2026. Borrowers should still pay their loans, but "processing of refunds and discharges could be delayed," according to the U.S. Department of Education .

During the federal shutdown, no new grants are being awarded. Civil rights complaints also will not be reviewed .

"The Department will contin

See Full Page