The U.S. Department of Education has officially launched the 2025–26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). Students and families can now access the application at fafsa.gov and begin submitting their information online or via the paper form. Here’s what you need to know about this year’s FAFSA and the resources available to make the process smoother.

What’s New for the 2025–26 FAFSA Cycle?

The Department of Education has introduced several new tools and resources designed to simplify the FAFSA process:

“Who’s the Parent on the FAFSA Form?” Wizard: 
A user-friendly tool to help students and families identify who needs to provide contributor information before starting the application.

“Creating Your StudentAid.gov Account” Page:
A step-by-step guide for families and partners to set up their accounts for a seamless application process.

Pro Tips for Completing the FAFSA Form:
Updated guidance linked directly from the StudentAid.gov Dashboard, providing easy access for students and their contributors.

Federal Student Aid Estimator:
A tool to estimate eligibility for Pell Grants and other aid.

FAFSA Videos on YouTube:
Updated instructional videos on completing the FAFSA, identifying contributors, and understanding post-submission steps.

Support for Educators and Counselors

To aid educators, counselors, and advisors in supporting students, the Department has released targeted resources:

2025–26 Counselor Resource:
A guide for helping students and families complete the FAFSA.

2025–26 FAFSA Roadmap:
Key dates and timelines for the FAFSA cycle.

2025–26 FAFSA Preview Presentation:
Training and reference tools, including screenshots of the updated application.

2025–26 FAFSA Prototype:
An interactive look at the FAFSA user experience for financial aid professionals.

Financial Aid Toolkit:
Updated outreach materials for counselors and college access professionals.

These resources are critical in ensuring that students, families, and educators are prepared to navigate the new FAFSA process.

Preparing for Future FAFSA Launch Dates

In related news, Congress has unanimously passed a bill mandating an October 1 launch date for FAFSA applications starting with the 2026–27 cycle. This legislative change ensures a consistent and predictable timeline for future FAFSA cycles. The Department of Education has confirmed plans to return to an October 1 launch date for the 2026–27 FAFSA.

Why FAFSA Matters

Completing the FAFSA is a crucial step for students seeking federal financial aid, including grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. Early and accurate submission helps maximize aid eligibility and ensures students receive timely awards.

Encourage students and families to take advantage of the tools and resources provided by the Department of Education. Together, we can make the financial aid process less daunting and help more students achieve their educational goals.

For more information, visit studentaid.gov.