2026-2027 FAFSA is now officially open
Your FSA ID is your identification for the entire filing process, so make sure you store it in a safe place
Spark Notes: Financial Aid
start planning;
fill out FAFSA;
review aid offers;
receive aid;
repay loans
The FAFSA begins accepting applications on October 1, 2025. The sooner you complete it, the more likely you are to get the aid you need/& or qualify for.
UPDATE: The 2026-2027 FAFSA is now officially open for all students, ahead of the traditional October 1 opening date. The form can be accessed here. I recommend that students first get their FSA ID# here before beginning their FAFSA, and that students begin their form before the parent does. When the student enters their parent contact information into the student section of the FAFSA, the parent will automatically receive an invitation to complete the parent section of the form.
Anyone who is required to provide information on the FAFSA form needs an FSA ID, which will be provided when filling out the required information on StudentAid.gov. Enter your name and Social Security number exactly as they appear on your Social Security card. Your FSA ID is your identification for the entire filing process, so make sure you store it in a safe place.
If you are on a website that is asking for payment to fill out the FAFSA, that is not the official government website. Be sure to visit StudentAid.gov.
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