The 2027-28 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is open now at StudentAid.gov for students starting or continuing college between July 1, 2027 and June 30, 2028. It uses your 2025 tax information, takes about 15 minutes for many families, and the federal deadline is June 30, 2028. But state and college aid often runs out much earlier, so filing in November or December is the smart move.
The Education Department opened this year’s form in late September 2026, its earliest launch ever. Here is what you need, how to fill it out and what happens after you submit.
Key dates for the 2027-28 FAFSA
| Item | Date or detail |
|---|---|
| Form opened | Late September 2026 |
| Award year it covers | July 1, 2027 to June 30, 2028 |
| Tax year used | 2025 (the “prior-prior” year) |
| Federal deadline | June 30, 2028 |
| State and college deadlines | Vary; many are in early 2027 and some award aid first-come, first-served |
Check the state deadline list on StudentAid.gov and the financial aid page of every college you are considering. The earliest of those dates is your real deadline.
What you need before you start
- A StudentAid.gov account (FSA ID) for the student and for each “contributor,” such as a parent or spouse who must provide information. Create these a few days early, because identity checks can take time.
- Social Security numbers for the student and contributors (contributors without an SSN can still create an account).
- 2025 federal tax returns and W-2s. Most tax data is transferred directly from the IRS once contributors give consent.
- Records of child support received.
- Current balances of cash, savings and checking accounts, plus the net worth of investments, businesses and farms, where required.
- A list of colleges. You can add up to 20 schools to receive your information.
How to fill out the FAFSA, step by step
- Log in at StudentAid.gov and choose the 2027-28 form. Never use a site that charges a fee to file; the FAFSA is free.
- Answer the dependency questions. These decide whether parent information is required. Most undergraduates under 24 are considered dependent.
- Invite contributors. You can invite a parent or spouse by email or text. Each one logs in separately to complete their section.
- Give consent for the IRS data transfer. Without consent from every contributor, the student is not eligible for federal aid.
- Add schools and review the summary page for typos in names, SSNs and dates of birth.
- Sign and submit. The student and every contributor must sign with their own account.
After you submit: what to expect
You will receive a FAFSA Submission Summary showing your Student Aid Index (SAI), the number colleges use to decide how much need-based aid, such as the Pell Grant, you qualify for. Colleges then send financial aid offers, usually after you are admitted. If your family’s finances changed sharply since 2025, for example a job loss or medical bills, contact each college’s aid office and ask about a professional judgment review.
- Common mistakes: leaving the form unsigned, a contributor forgetting to consent, listing the wrong tax year, or waiting until spring when state grant funds are gone.
- Scam warning: the Education Department will not text you asking for payment to “unlock” aid. Report suspicious messages to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Read our earlier report on the 2027-28 FAFSA’s early launch, and if you need more money for school, see how to find scholarships to study in the United States.
Frequently asked questions
Which tax year does the 2027-28 FAFSA use?
It uses 2025 income and tax information, the return most families filed in early 2026.
What is the FAFSA deadline for 2027-28?
The federal deadline is June 30, 2028, but state and college deadlines are often months earlier. File as soon as you can.
Do I need to file the FAFSA every year?
Yes. You must submit a new FAFSA for each school year you want federal aid. Returning students can use the renewal option to speed things up.
Can I file if my parents do not have a Social Security number?
Yes. Contributors without an SSN can still create a StudentAid.gov account and complete their section, though identity verification may take longer.
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