2025-26 FAFSA Form Opens to All Students

The 2025–26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid opened Monday to all students as the Education Department completes a final round of beta testing. The form was expected to officially launch on Dec. 1.

Rollout of a revised form last fall was botched as the website repeatedly crashed and the transfer of data to campuses was delayed until late spring. This year the Department brought in technical help from The College Board to oversee testing and deployment of the 2025-26 application.

Inside Higher Ed reported that students and families have submitted more than 50,000 FAFSA forms and partially completed 100,000 more since Monday, in addition to some 17,000 forms submitted throughout the testing period.

Below is a sample of new stories on the FAFSA relaunch:

Is the FAFSA Ready for Prime Time?
Inside Higher Ed (November 20, 2024)

3 Ways High Schools Are Preparing Students for This Year’s FAFSA
Higher Ed Dive (November 20, 2024)

The 2025-26 FAFSA Is Open Ahead of Schedule — Here’s Why It’s Important to File for College Aid Early
CNBC.com (November 20, 2024)

FAFSA Is Open to All, Ahead of Department of Education Schedule
Forbes.com (November 19, 2024)