How to Complete FAFSA 2025–2026: Step-by-Step Guide
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the single most important document when it comes to receiving financial assistance for college. It determines your eligibility for federal grants, student loans, and work-study programs. For the 2025–2026 academic year, there are important updates and deadlines every student and parent needs to know.
This guide will show you how to fill out the FAFSA, explain what’s new, and help you avoid common mistakes.
Why the FAFSA Matters
Completing the FAFSA opens the door to:
- Pell Grants – Free money for college that you don’t have to repay
- Federal SEOG Grants – Extra grant money for students with the greatest financial need.
- Subsidized and Unsubsidized Federal Loans
- Subsidized Federal Loans – Low interest loans where the government pays the interest while you’re in school
- Unsubsidized Federal Loans – Low interest loans where interest starts right away, but you don’t have to pay until after graduation
- PLUS Loans for parents and graduate students
- Federal Work-Study opportunities
Many states and colleges also use FAFSA data to award their own financial aid.
The FAFSA for the 2025–2026 school year opens on or before December 1, 2024. You have until June 30, 2026, to submit it, but it’s best to apply early. Each state has its own deadline, so make sure to check when your state’s FAFSA is due to get the most financial aid.
Apply as soon as possible to maximize your chances for aid, especially grants which are often awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Important FAFSA Changes Starting 2024–2025
- Questions reduced from 108 to 36
- FAFSA now aligns closely with IRS tax returns
- New Student Aid Index (SAI) replaces the Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
- More accessible Pell Grant eligibility
- Each contributor must have their own FSA ID, including parents and spouses
- Students can list up to 20 colleges
Step-by-Step Guide to Complete the 2025–2026 FAFSA
Step 1: Create Your FSA ID
Your FSA ID is your login and legal signature. Every student, parent, or spouse contributing to the FAFSA must have one. Visit studentaid.gov to register.
You can now create an ID without a Social Security number using a manual verification process.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
You’ll need the following:
- 2023 federal tax returns (student and parent if dependent)
- Social Security Numbers or verification documents
- Records of untaxed income (e.g., child support)
- Account balances and investment values
- Business and farm assets (if applicable)
Use this official FAFSA checklist to stay organized.
Step 3: Start Your FAFSA Online
Go to FAFSA.gov and select the 2025–2026 form. The form will walk you through:
- Personal identification
- Dependency status
- School selections (up to 20)
- Financial information (auto-filled with IRS data if available)
Step 4: Invite Your Contributors
If you’re a dependent student, your parent(s) or legal guardian will need to complete their portion. After you finish your part, they will receive an email invitation to log in and provide:
- Marital status
- Tax and income information
- Asset and household size details
Learn more about who qualifies as a contributor.
Step 5: Review and Submit
Once both student and contributors have signed the application using their FSA IDs, submit it online. You’ll receive a confirmation and an estimate of your Student Aid Index (SAI).
After Submitting Your FAFSA
- Watch for Verification Requests: You may be asked to submit documents to verify your information.
- Wait for Financial Aid Offers: Each college you listed will send a package detailing what aid you’re eligible for.
- Make Corrections if Needed: You can update your FAFSA if your circumstances change.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the 2025–2026 FAFSA open?
The 2025–2026 FAFSA is expected to open on or before December 1, 2024. This is later than the traditional October 1 release date due to recent updates in the federal aid system.
What documents do I need to complete the FAFSA for 2025–2026?
You’ll need your 2023 tax return, records of untaxed income, bank account balances, and information about investments or businesses. All contributors (student and parent/guardian) will also need FSA IDs.
Who needs an FSA ID to complete the FAFSA?
Everyone who needs to fill out the FAFSA like the student, parents, or a spouse, must create their own FSA ID. This is the username and password they’ll use to log in, fill out, and sign the form online.
What is a “contributor” on the FAFSA?
A contributor is anyone required to provide financial information on the FAFSA, including biological/adoptive parents, step-parents, or a spouse. Each contributor will complete their own section of the FAFSA.
How do I add colleges to my FAFSA?
You can list up to 20 colleges on your online FAFSA. Each institution will receive your information and use it to determine your eligibility for federal, state, and school-specific aid.
What happens after I submit the FAFSA?
You’ll get a confirmation and see your Student Aid Index (SAI). Schools will use this to calculate your financial aid. You may also be selected for verification, requiring additional documentation.