For families with high school students graduating in 2025, it’s time to start planning for an important step in the college application process: filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA. This form determines eligibility for federal financial aid, which often makes a significant difference in a student’s ability to afford college. Following a botched rollout of the new form last year, the U.S. Department of Education announced changes to the FAFSA 2025-2026 launch, meaning there are some key updates to the FAFSA release schedule and process that you need to be aware of.
FAFSA 2025-2026 Changes
According to U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel A. Cordona, the new process is a result of feedback from users following a 2024-25 FAFSA cycle riddled with delays and technical issues. The changes are as follows:
- The 2025-26 FAFSA form will be released in phases, starting with a limited group of students on October 1, 2024.
- Following the initial release, there will be a one to two-month testing period before the form is made available to all students.
- The final release is expected to happen on or before December 1, 2024.
Why is the FAFSA Change Important?
Typically, the FAFSA form is available to all students starting on October 1. This early availability allowed families to get a head start on applying for financial aid, which is crucial for meeting priority deadlines set by many colleges and universities. However, for the 2025-26 academic year, the Education Department is taking a different approach. By releasing the form in phases, they aim to resolve any potential application issues before it becomes widely available.
While this approach will lead to a slight delay in submitting your FAFSA forms, the goal is to avoid major problems that will cause unneeded stress and delays later down the line. But, this means families need to be prepared to act quickly once the form is available.
What Should I Do Now?
Given the staggered FAFSA release, it’s especially important to stay up-to-date and ready to complete the form as soon as it becomes available. Here are some steps you can take now to ensure you’re prepared:
- Mark your calendar: Keep an eye on the calendar and be aware of the key dates. The initial release to a limited group of students will happen on October 1, 2024, but you may have to wait until December 1, 2024. Plan to complete the FAFSA as soon as it’s available to you.
- Gather your documents: The FAFSA requires a variety of financial information, including tax returns, bank statements, and information about any assets. Start gathering these documents now so you’re ready to complete the form on October 1st (or whenever it becomes available to you).
- Attend a workshop: HelloCollege offers workshops in October that provide tips and guidance on completing both the FAFSA and the CSS Profile. These workshops are an opportunity to get expert advice and ask any questions you have about the application process. Keep an eye on our College Admissions Workshops page to register for one of our financial aid workshops.
- Stay informed: We will continue to keep you informed as additional information becomes available from the Education Department regarding the new rollout of the FAFSA.
What About the CSS Profile?
In addition to FAFSA, some colleges and universities require students to complete the CSS Profile, a financial aid form used by many private institutions to award non-federal aid. Unlike the FAFSA, the CSS Profile is not subject to the same phased release schedule. The 2025-26 CSS Profile is expected to be available on October 1, 2024, as usual.
If your student is applying to institutions that require the CSS Profile, it’s important to plan ahead. You should aim to submit your CSS Profile application in the month of October to ensure you’re meeting any early deadlines set by the schools on your list. Once the FAFSA becomes available, you can then complete and submit that form.
Conclusion
Securing financial aid is a critical part of the college application process, and the changes to the FAFSA 2025-2026 release schedule make it more important than ever to stay informed and be prepared. By marking your calendar, gathering your documents, and attending a HelloCollege workshop, you’ll be ready to complete the FAFSA as soon as it becomes available.
HelloCollege is committed to helping you through this process, ensuring that you have the information and support you need to complete college financial aid forms with confidence. If you have any questions about FAFSA, schedule your free consultation with a HelloCollege expert today.
