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FAFSA is earlier and easier

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The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is available earlier than ever this year, with federal education officials promising a simpler process that most families can complete in about 15 minutes.

The 2027-28 FAFSA went live Wednesday, Sept. 23, more than a week ahead of the Oct. 1 federal deadline and one day earlier than last year’s record-setting release.

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Students and families can complete the free application at StudentAid.gov. FAFSA determines eligibility for federal grants, work-study programs, and student loans and is also used by many states and colleges in awarding financial aid.

The U.S. Department of Education says the latest version uses clearer language and eliminates some confusing terminology. Students can invite a parent, spouse, or other required contributor to participate by text message as well as email. Parents with more than one child applying for aid can reuse their information across applications.

Returning students are also expected to benefit from a change coming later this fall that will pre-populate information from previous FAFSA applications. Applicants can receive real-time information about their potential Pell Grant eligibility and federal aid.

Under Secretary of Education Nicholas Kent told ABC News the department has worked to reduce a process that once could take hours to about 15 minutes on average.

The early launch comes three years after major problems with the 2024-25 FAFSA rollout delayed financial-aid information for students and colleges. The federal government subsequently established Oct. 1 as a firm deadline for making the application available.

The FAFSA remains particularly important for lower- and middle-income families because completing it is necessary to qualify for federal Pell Grants and other forms of federal student assistance.

Simplifying the application, however, does not resolve broader concerns about college affordability. Higher-education advocates continue to argue that financial aid, including Pell Grants, has not kept pace with the full cost of attending college.

Source: ABC

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