Do you expect to attend college in the 2025-26 school year?
If so, you’ll want to ensure you receive the financial assistance you’re entitled to. The gatekeeper for unlocking grants, scholarships, work-study and federal student loans is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid — known to most people as the FAFSA. Filling out FAFSA online has never been simpler and this step-by-step guide will help you do so so you can get all the financial aid you deserve.
Why FAFSA Matters
But before we get into that, let’s answer the question of the day:
Why is FAFSA so important?
The FAFSA opens the door to federal financial aid, including grants (such as the Pell Grant) and low-interest student loans, as well as some scholarships and state assistance. Colleges also use your FAFSA data to calculate their aid packages. In other words, if you want help paying for college, you must fill out the FAFSA.
Key FAFSA Dates for 2025-26
When it comes to financial aid, timing is everything. Here’s what you need to know:
FAFSA Opens: October 1, 2024
Federal Deadline: June 30, 2026
How to Apply: The Process for applying for a federal loan differs from what you need to do to apply to your school for a direct benefit.
State and College Deadlines: Many are even earlier — check with your schools.
Pro tip: Apply as close to October 1 for the best shot at grants and scholarships, which tend to run out early.
What You’ll Need Before You Begin
Collect these documents and details before you get started to streamline the FAFSA application process:
- Your Social Security Number (or Alien Registration Number if you’re not a U.S. citizen)
- Your FSA ID (and your parents, if you are a dependent student)
- 2023 federal tax returns and W-2s for you and your parents
- Documents regarding untaxed income, savings and investments
A list of 20 or fewer colleges to which you’d like your FAFSA information sent.
Step 1: Create Your FSA ID
First things first: If you want to complete your FAFSA on the internet, you will need to have an FSA ID. This is your PIN to get into anything related to federal student aid. If you are a dependent student, though, your parent will need one too. Your FSA ID is easy to create — it’s a short process, and you only need a working email address.
Step 2: Get the FAFSA Process Started
Make your way to the official FAFSA site and log in using your FSA ID. Select “Start a New FAFSA” for the 2025-26 school year. The online form is intuitive and will guide you through each section.
Step 3: Add Your Personal and School Information
Type your legal name, date of birth, and contact information exactly as they appear on your Social Security card. Next, you list the colleges where you’re interested in playing. You can include up to 20 schools — and don’t worry, they won’t discover the specifics at the other places you applied.
Step 4: Answer Questions Dependencies, Contributor-related questions
The FAFSA will include questions to help assess whether you’re a dependent student. Parental information will be required in most cases for students under 24. If they do, encourage your parent(s) to fill out the section using their FSA ID.
Step 5: Enter the Financial Details
It’s where you’ll enter specific details from your (and your parents’) 2023 tax returns. If you can, use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to receive an accurate picture of your tax information directly on your FAFSA. You’ll also provide the current savings, checking, and other account balances.
Step 6: Check Your FAFSA and Submit It
Almost done! Check and double-check all of your information for accuracy. You and, if applicable, your parent, will electronically sign using your FSA IDS. Click submit to get a confirmation page, save or print it for your records.
Step 7: What Happens Next?
After you submit, you’ll receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) summarising your FAFSA information. Colleges on the list you mentioned will use this information to assemble your financial aid offers. You may be occasionally asked for additional documents — don’t panic, handle your correspondence swiftly.
FAFSA How-To: Simple Steps For Applying For College Aid
- Apply early! Certain aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Be accurate. Mistakes can delay your aid.
- Use the IRS tool. It’s a time-saver and error-reducer.
- Ask for help. Your school’s financial aid office can be a lifeline.
Final Thoughts
Completing the FAFSA for 2025-26 is the best thing you can do to make college more affordable. Don’t procrastinate — get all your paperwork together, follow this step-by-step guide and submit your application as soon as the FAFSA opens. Your future self (and your wallet) will thank you.
You may read this: Top 7 Financial Aid Options For Students in The US: A Complete Guide
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