FAFSA Opens Early for 2025-26, Offering Students Access to Federal Aid
The U.S. Department of Education launches the FAFSA for next academic year with improvements aimed at smoother processing and increased accessibility.
- The 2025-26 FAFSA is now open, earlier than the initially expected December 1 launch, following a phased beta testing period involving 14,000 students.
- The FAFSA is required to access federal student loans, Pell Grants, work-study opportunities, and many state and institutional aid programs, including merit-based scholarships.
- This year’s FAFSA rollout addresses last year’s technical issues and delays, which led to an 8.8% drop in high school senior submissions; early reports indicate a smoother user experience.
- New eligibility criteria under the FAFSA Simplification Act expand Pell Grant access to an estimated 600,000 additional students, including higher-income parenting students and others.
- Students are encouraged to submit the FAFSA promptly to meet priority deadlines for limited aid pools and ensure eligibility for state and institutional financial assistance.
Orlando Sentinel 
Forbes 