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Understanding the FAFSA timeline can help you secure the funding you need for your education. 💡

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Understanding the FAFSA timeline is essential for securing the funding you need for your education. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a crucial step for students seeking financial assistance for college, serving as the primary application for federal, state, and institutional financial aid. This process is vital for both undergraduate and graduate students, as it determines eligibility for various forms of financial support that can significantly reduce the cost of higher education.

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FAFSA Filing Periods &Deadlines

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Typically, the FAFSA opens on October 1 for the next academic year. However, the FAFSA for the 2024-25 year was delayed and didn't become available until late December 2023. To maximize your chances of receiving grants, scholarships, and work-study aid, submit your FAFSA as soon as it becomes available, as some funds are limited and can be depleted.

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For the 2025-26 school year, the FAFSA is expected to be fully available by December 1, 2024. Before that, a limited number of students will be able to access the form starting October 1 during a "phased rollout," allowing the Education Department to address any potential issues.

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For the 2024-2025 Academic Year:

• Application Window: December 31, 2023 – June 30, 2025
• FAFSA Deadline: June 30, 2025

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For the 2025-2026 Academic Year:

• Delayed Start Date: The U.S. Department of Education has announced that the 2025-26 FAFSA will be available starting December 1, 2024.
• FAFSA Deadline: June 30, 2026

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How To Prepare for the 2025–26 FAFSA^® Form

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Prepare now so you can complete the 2025–26 FAFSA form as soon as it’s available on or before Dec. 1, 2024. Here are some ways you can get ready:

• Create a StudentAid.gov account (if you don’t already have one).
• Learn about the documents you may need to fill out the FAFSA form.
• Determine your dependency status and whether your parent(s) or spouse will be required to contribute information on your FAFSA form.
• If you’re a dependent student, use the Who’s My FAFSA Parent? wizard to identify which parent(s) will be a required contributor on your form.

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📌 It’s important to note that the FAFSA was initially expected to return to its traditional October 1 start date for the 2025-2026 school year. However, due to recent changes, it will be released as a beta version on October 1, with full availability set for December 1, 2024.

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WHY You Should File the FAFSA ASAP

The FAFSA deadline is at 11:59 PM Central Time (CT) on June 30 of the academic year or the last day of enrollment, whichever comes first. After this deadline, you can still make corrections to your FAFSA, but they must be submitted by mid-September—about two and a half months after the June 30 deadline.

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While students have until the end of the school year to qualify for federal student aid, filing your FAFSA early can maximize your chances of receiving aid. The college financial aid office must receive a valid output document (a Student Aid Report or an Institutional Student Information Record) by the FAFSA deadline.

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WHEN Should You File Your FAFSA?

To ensure you get the best chance at securing financial aid, families should file the FAFSA as soon as possible on or after the start date. The earlier you apply, the better your chances of receiving grants and scholarships. Studies show that students who file their FAFSA within the first three months often receive twice as many grants as those who file later.

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Deadline for FAFSA Corrections

If you need to make corrections or updates to your FAFSA, here are the important dates:

• For the 2023-2024 Academic Year: Corrections must be submitted by September 14, 2024, at 11:59 PM CT.
• For the 2024-2025 Academic Year: Corrections must be submitted by September 14, 2025, at 11:59 PM CT.

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The Importance of Early Filing

While federal student loans and Pell Grants are entitlements, other types of federal aid, like the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) and Federal Work-Study (FWS), are limited. Each college receives a fixed amount of these funds, which can run out. Therefore, applying as close to the October 1 start date as possible is crucial for securing the aid you need.

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👉 Go to fafsa.gov. Click the "Log In" button and type in your FSA ID. Once on the "My FAFSA" page, click "Make Corrections." You can then make a save key, edit your FAFSA and resubmit your application.

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State and institutional FAFSA Deadlines

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States and colleges establish their own FAFSA deadlines, often earlier than the federal deadline. To be considered for state and institutional grants and scholarships, it's essential to submit your FAFSA by these dates.

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If you're attending a school outside of your home state, you might not be eligible for state aid—be sure to check with the specific state to confirm. You can find your state’s financial aid deadline on the Federal Student Aid website. Keep in mind that the deadline may be extended due to the late release of the 2024-25 FAFSA.

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Federal FAFSA deadline

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The federal FAFSA deadline marks the final day each year to submit your FAFSA. For financial aid in the 2024-25 school year, you have until June 30, 2025, to file.

While work-study funds and most state and institutional aid deplete quickly, you’ll still have access to federal grants and loans for a longer period. Even if you wait until the June 30 deadline, you can still receive grants and loans retroactively for costs already paid during the fall and spring semesters. Depending on your school, you may also be able to apply these funds toward summer school in 2025.

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💡 Tip: While federal aid will still be available, work-study dollars and most state/institutional aid run out fast. Submitting your FAFSA early gives you the best chance of getting the most aid possible.

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Next Steps

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1. Monitor college financial aid deadlines. Priority deadlines at colleges tend to be early and are crucial to maximize aid opportunities. Be sure to look up the deadlines for every school you’re applying to and keep them organized in one place—consider using your phone calendar, a spreadsheet, or a dedicated notebook.

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2. Submit any additional financial aid applications. Many colleges require other financial aid forms, such as the CSS Profile, to qualify for state or institutional aid. Make sure to complete all required paperwork before the deadlines to secure aid eligibility.

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3. Submit the FAFSA as soon as possible. Although the opening date is not a hard deadline, filing your FAFSA early gives you a quicker understanding of your federal aid status.

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4. Wait for your financial aid award letter. This document outlines your eligibility for free aid and federal loans. If your aid offer is insufficient, you may have the option to appeal the decision.

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5. Make changes if necessary. You can update your FAFSA if you made a mistake or if there has been a significant change in your family’s financial situation. To make corrections, log in to fafsa.gov with your FSA ID, go to the "My FAFSA" page, click on "Make Corrections," and update your information before resubmitting.

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Conclusion

Filing the FAFSA is an essential step in securing financial aid for your college education. With important deadlines looming, it’s critical to stay informed and act promptly. Whether you're preparing for your first year of college or continuing your education, understanding the FAFSA timeline can make a significant difference in your financial future.

Don’t wait—file your FAFSA as soon as possible!

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