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4h ago

FAFSA 2026–27 Opens Early With Smoother Rollout

The form sets aid eligibility nationwide, using prior‑year income that can require post‑processing appeals for families with recent shocks.

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Overview

  • The Education Department opened the 2026–27 FAFSA on Sept. 24, a week before the planned Oct. 1 release, with colleges reporting a steadier start.
  • Federal Student Aid data showed a 14% year‑over‑year rise in submissions as of June 2025, reflecting stronger uptake heading into this cycle.
  • New features include contributor invite codes and immediate studentaid.gov account confirmation, changes designed to cut delays from past logjams.
  • Because the form relies on 2024 income, students whose finances changed must wait for their processed FAFSA before filing institutional aid appeals.
  • Expanded Pell Grant rules increased recipients by nearly 13% in 2024–25, and states such as Missouri are urging early filing to maximize access to programs like Access Missouri.