When Does FAFSA Open for 2026-27 (and Exactly What to Do First)

Quick answer

The FAFSA opens by October 1 every year. The 2026-27 FAFSA, for the school year that runs July 2026 through June 2027, is already open. Students starting college in fall 2027 need the 2027-28 form. Do these 5 things first: (1) create StudentAid.gov accounts for the student and each parent who has to fill in part of the form, (2) gather tax info from two years back, (3) list your colleges, (4) write down your state and college deadlines, and (5) submit early and check your FAFSA Submission Summary. Then look for free money with our scholarships and free colleges tools.

“When does the FAFSA open?” sounds like a simple question. The confusing part is that each FAFSA is named for the school year it pays for, not the year you file it. Below we explain which form you need, when it opens, and what to do before you start so you can submit on day one.

Check current dates at StudentAid.gov. The U.S. Department of Education runs the FAFSA. Launch timing, form questions, and state and college deadlines can change from year to year. Before you plan around a date in this guide, confirm it on StudentAid.gov and with each college's financial aid office.

Which FAFSA do you need?

2026-27 FAFSA: for students enrolled between July 1, 2026 and June 30, 2027. It uses 2024 tax information, and it is open now.
2027-28 FAFSA: for students starting or continuing college in fall 2027. It uses 2025 tax information and is due to open by October 1, 2026. Most current high school seniors need this form.

Using tax information from two years back is called prior-prior year. Because those taxes are already filed, you don't have to wait for the current year's return to complete the FAFSA, which is why it can open in the fall.

The 5 steps to take first

Create StudentAid.gov accounts. The student and each contributor (usually one or both parents) need their own account. Set these up before October 1 so identity checks don't hold you up on launch day.
Gather prior-prior-year tax and asset information. Contributors are asked to consent to the IRS sending their federal tax information directly to the FAFSA. Without that consent, the student cannot get federal aid. Keep records of untaxed income and current bank and investment balances nearby too.
List the colleges that should get your FAFSA. Include every college you're seriously considering, even ones that look expensive at full price, because aid can change the real cost a lot. Compare options in our college directory.
Write down every deadline. The federal deadline is late, but many state grant programs and colleges set earlier ones, and some give out money first-come, first-served. Some private colleges also require the CSS Profile on top of the FAFSA.
Submit early, then review. After you submit, look over your FAFSA Submission Summary. It shows your Student Aid Index (SAI) and any errors you need to fix. Correct mistakes quickly so colleges can put together your aid offers.

Why filing early matters

You won't get more federal Pell Grant money by filing in October instead of March. State and college aid work differently. Many state grant programs have limited funds or early deadlines, and colleges often hand out their own grants first to students who are already complete. Filing early also gives you time to fix errors and compare aid offers before college decision deadlines.

After you file: stack free money

Scholarships and state programs

Search state and private awards on our scholarships page. Many state merit and need-based programs require a completed FAFSA.
Check whether your state has a tuition-free or promise program on our free colleges page. Eligibility rules differ by state.
Track deadlines, aid offers, and net price in one place with the College Planner financial dashboard.

For the full order to stack aid (scholarships, then savings, then work, with loans last), read How to Pay for College.

Quick checklist

Figure out which FAFSA year you need (2026-27 or 2027-28).
Create StudentAid.gov accounts for the student and every contributor.
Gather prior-prior-year tax info and current asset balances.
List every college you're considering.
Write down state, college, and CSS Profile deadlines.
Submit as early as you can and review your FAFSA Submission Summary.
Apply for scholarships and check free-tuition programs.

Frequently asked questions

When does the FAFSA open for 2026-27?

Federal law requires the FAFSA to be available by October 1 each year. The 2026-27 FAFSA covers the school year from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027, and it is already open. If you are starting college in fall 2027, you need the 2027-28 FAFSA instead. That form is due to open by October 1, 2026, and you file it at StudentAid.gov.

Which tax year does the FAFSA use?

The FAFSA uses tax information from two years before the school year starts, called "prior-prior year." The 2026-27 FAFSA uses 2024 tax information, and the 2027-28 FAFSA uses 2025 tax information. Most federal tax data now comes straight from the IRS once you and your contributors give consent.

What is the FAFSA deadline?

The federal deadline for each FAFSA is June 30 at the end of that school year. For the 2026-27 FAFSA, that is June 30, 2027. State and college deadlines usually come much earlier, and some state grants are first-come, first-served while funds last. Check each deadline that applies to you and file as early as you can.

What should I do before I start the FAFSA?

Create a StudentAid.gov account for the student and one for each required contributor, such as a parent. Then gather your prior-prior-year tax information, list the colleges you want to receive your FAFSA, and note your state and college aid deadlines. Doing this before October 1 lets you submit as soon as the form opens.

This article is a guide, not financial or admissions advice. Program terms (eligibility, costs, scholarship limits) change - always verify current details with the official source (getinto.college).