A step-by-step guide to completing the 2027-28 FAFSA^® questions

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA^®) is the official application students complete each year to apply for federal financial aid for college or career school. Many states, colleges, and scholarship organizations also use FAFSA^® information to determine eligibility for grants, scholarships, work-study, and federal student loans.

After you submit the FAFSA^®, the U.S. Department of Education shares your information with the schools you list. Colleges use your FAFSA^® information, including your Student Aid Index (SAI), to help build your financial aid offer. Because aid eligibility is determined each academic year, you'll need to submit a new FAFSA^® annually.

Completing the FAFSA^® is one of the most important steps in paying for college because it gives you access to federal, state, and school-based financial aid. Filing the FAFSA^® may qualify you for grants, scholarships, work-study, and federal student loans.

Many colleges also require a completed FAFSA^® before awarding institutional financial aid. Even if you don't think you'll qualify for need-based aid, submitting the FAFSA^® ensures you're considered for all available financial aid opportunities. Filing early can also help you meet state and school priority deadlines.

Nearly every student planning to attend an eligible college, university, community college, trade school, or graduate program should complete the FAFSA^® each academic year. This includes first-time students, returning students, transfer students, and graduate or professional students.

Even if you believe your family's income is too high to qualify for financial aid, it's still worth submitting the FAFSA^®. Many schools use FAFSA^® information to award institutional grants and scholarships, and it's required to access most federal student aid programs.

The FAFSA^® is now legally required to open no later than October 1 each year for the upcoming academic year.  

Check StudentAid.gov for the official opening date and submit your FAFSA^® as early as possible. Many states and colleges have priority financial aid deadlines, and filing early helps ensure you're considered for the widest range of financial aid opportunities.

For the best chance at receiving available financial aid, submit your FAFSA^® as soon as possible after the application becomes available. Filing early gives colleges more time to prepare your financial aid offer and may improve your chances of receiving aid that has limited funding.

While the federal FAFSA^® deadline is later in the academic cycle, many states and colleges have earlier priority deadlines. Check the financial aid deadlines for every school you're considering so you don't miss important opportunities for grants, scholarships, or institutional aid.

You'll need your full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security Number (if applicable) to set up your studentaid.gov account (sometimes referred to as FSA ID).  Any required contributors, such as a parent or spouse, will need to set up an account, but this can be done at the time you complete the FAFSA® - it no longer needs to be done ahead of time.  

You may also need federal tax income, records of income, bank account balances, and investment information, although most of this will be automatically, and securely, transferred over from the IRS through the FUTURE Act Direct Data Exchange, or FA-DDX.

If you make a mistake on your FAFSA^®, you can generally log back into your account and correct eligible information after submitting the application. Making corrections promptly helps ensure your colleges receive accurate information when determining your financial aid eligibility.

Common mistakes include incorrect personal information, inaccurate financial data, missing signatures, or unanswered questions. If your family's financial circumstances change after filing, contact your college's financial aid office to discuss whether additional documentation may be needed.

Yes. Graduate and professional students should complete the FAFSA^® each year they plan to attend an eligible program. Filing the FAFSA^® may qualify you for federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, work-study opportunities, and financial aid offered by your school.

Many graduate schools use FAFSA^® information when determining eligibility for institutional grants and scholarships. Even if you're returning to school after several years, submitting the FAFSA^® can help ensure you're considered for all available financial aid opportunities.

After your FAFSA^® is processed, the information is sent to each college you listed on your application. Schools use your FAFSA^® information, including your Student Aid Index (SAI), cost of attendance, and institutional policies, to determine your financial aid eligibility.

Your financial aid offer may include federal grants, work-study, federal student loans, and school-based scholarships or grants. Providing complete and accurate information on your FAFSA^® helps colleges prepare your financial aid package as efficiently as possible.

Yes. You can generally make eligible corrections or updates to your FAFSA^® after you've submitted it. You may also be able to add additional colleges to receive your FAFSA^® information or update certain application details.

Make any necessary corrections as soon as possible so your schools receive the most accurate information when preparing your financial aid offer. If your family's financial situation changes significantly after filing, contact your college's financial aid office to discuss your options.