When to submit the FAFSA^®

Key takeaways about FAFSA^® timing

• Submit your FAFSA^® as soon as it opens. For the 2027-28 academic year, the opening date will be on or before October 1, 2026. 
• Know your deadlines. Federal, state, and college FAFSA^® deadlines can differ, so plan around the earliest one that applies to you.
• Don't wait for your taxes. Remember, the FAFSA^® uses tax information from two years prior to the academic year you're filing it for, and it's automatically pulled over from the IRS.
• Review your FAFSA^® Submission Summary after filing to catch any errors before colleges prepare your financial aid offers.
• Keep looking for aid after you file. The FAFSA^® is just the first step—continue applying for scholarships, grants, and other financial aid opportunities.

If you're wondering when to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA^®) the short answer is simple: submit it as early as possible after it opens for the academic year. Many states and colleges award certain types of financial aid on a first-come, first-served basis, so submitting early can improve your eligibility for grants, scholarships, and work-study funds. Always check federal, state, and school deadlines because they may differ.

Here's the good news: you don't have to have everything figured out before you get started.

One of the biggest misconceptions I see is that families think they either won't qualify for financial aid or can always "do it later." That's understandable, but it can also be costly. Sallie's "Financial Aid Myth Report" found that nearly three in ten families skipped applying for federal financial aid because they assumed they wouldn't qualify. That's one reason I encourage most students to file the FAFSA^®, even if they're unsure what aid they may receive.

Let's walk through what really matters when it comes to FAFSA^® timing.

When should I submit the FAFSA^®?

In most cases, you'll want to submit the FAFSA^® as soon as it opens for the school year you plan to attend. For example, if you plan to start college during the 2027–28 academic year, you can complete the 2027-28 FAFSA® when it becomes available on or before October 1, 2026— not after you've started school.

The reason is simple: not all financial aid works the same way.

Federal Pell Grants and federal student loans generally remain available until federal deadlines, provided you qualify. But many states and colleges have their own deadlines, and some aid programs have limited funding that's awarded until the money runs out.

Think of it like registering for a popular class. Everyone who qualifies may eventually get in, but the earlier you register, the more options you typically have.

Submitting early also gives you time to:

• Review your FAFSA^® confirmation and FAFSA^® Submission Summary
• Correct any mistakes
• Compare financial aid offers
• Appeal aid decisions if needed
• Plan for any remaining college costs

Instead of rushing through everything a few weeks before enrollment, you'll have months to make informed decisions.

When does the FAFSA^® open?

The FAFSA^® is required by law to open on or before October 1 each year for the following academic year. 

While October 1 is the traditional opening date, it's still a good idea to check the latest information from the U.S. Department of Education or your school's financial aid office each year, since it can launch early.

If college is in your plans for next year, mark the FAFSA^® opening date on your calendar now. Waiting several months doesn't provide any advantage—and it can mean missing earlier state or institutional deadlines.

For a step-by-step overview, you can also review Sallie's FAFSA^® guide.

What is the FAFSA^® deadline?

That's where many families get tripped up. There isn't just one FAFSA^® deadline. There are actually three types of deadlines you should keep track of.

Federal FAFSA^® deadline

The federal government sets the final deadline for submitting the FAFSA^® for each academic year.  Check the Department of Education's website for the next deadline.

State FAFSA^® deadlines

Many states have their own deadlines for grants and other state-funded aid. Some operate on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have fixed deadlines.

Some state grant programs have priority deadlines that arrive much earlier than the federal FAFSA^® deadline, so it's worth checking your state's requirements before you file.

College deadlines

Colleges often establish their own priority financial aid deadlines. These deadlines may determine eligibility for institutional grants and scholarships funded directly by the school.

The earliest applicable deadline is the one you should plan around. If you're unsure, start with the school's financial aid office and review Sallie's FAFSA^® resources before submitting your application.

Is it better to submit FAFSA^® early?

In many cases, yes. Filing early doesn't automatically increase the amount of financial aid you'll receive, but it can increase your opportunity to be considered for certain types of limited funding.

Submitting early may help you:

• Access state grants before funds are exhausted
• Improve eligibility for work-study opportunities
• Receive financial aid offers earlier
• Compare schools before making a decision
• Reduce last-minute stress

Just as important, filing early gives you time to ask questions and fix problems if something needs to be updated.

Filing FAFSA^® early vs. waiting

Can I submit FAFSA^® before filing my taxes?

Yes, but it's likely not what you think.

Many families think they need to finish their current tax return before submitting the FAFSA^®, but that's usually not the case.

The FAFSA^® uses tax information from an earlier tax year, and for most applicants, that information is securely transferred using the FUTURE Act Direct Data Exchange (FA-DDX). That means you can often complete your FAFSA^® without waiting for your current year's taxes to be finished.

If your family's financial situation has changed since that earlier tax year, contact your school's financial aid office. They can explain whether you're eligible to have your aid eligibility reviewed based on your current circumstances.

What happens if I submit FAFSA^® late?

Submitting late doesn't necessarily mean you won't receive financial aid, but it can limit your options.

Depending on your school and state, filing late could mean:

• Missing state grant deadlines
• Losing eligibility for institutional aid
• Missing work-study opportunities
• Having less time to compare financial aid offers
• Feeling rushed as enrollment approaches

The earlier you submit, the more flexibility you'll usually have throughout the rest of the college decision process.

How to submit the FAFSA^®

The FAFSA^® process is more manageable when you take it one step at a time.

1. Create a studentaid.gov account.
2. Gather the needed financial documents, such as bank and investment account balances.
3. Complete the FAFSA^® application.
4. Review your information carefully.
5. Submit the FAFSA^®.
6. Review your FAFSA^® Submission Summary, formerly called the Student Aid Report.
7. Compare your financial aid offers from each school.

After you submit your FAFSA^®, you'll receive a FAFSA^® Submission Summary that recaps the information you provided and highlights any issues that may need your attention. Review it carefully to make sure everything is accurate, since colleges use your FAFSA^® information to prepare your financial aid offers. If you spot a mistake, you can usually make corrections after submitting.

If you're filing for the first time, our step-by-step FAFSA^® guide can make the process easier.

FAFSA^® timeline

Other common FAFSA^® timing questions

What is the last day to submit FAFSA^®?

The federal government establishes the final FAFSA^® deadline for each academic year, but many state and college deadlines arrive much earlier. Plan around the earliest deadline that applies to you.

When should high school seniors complete FAFSA^®?

High school seniors should plan to submit the FAFSA^® shortly after it opens for the academic year they'll begin college.

Should returning college students submit FAFSA^® every year?

Yes. The FAFSA^® isn't a one-and-done application. You should complete a new FAFSA^® each year you want to be considered for federal financial aid.

Can I update my FAFSA^® after submitting it?

Absolutely. If financial information changes or you discover an error, you can usually make corrections after submitting your FAFSA^®, but you may need to contact the financial aid office to complete the process.

Don't stop with the FAFSA^®

Completing the FAFSA^® is one of the most important steps in paying for college, but it's only one step.

After submitting your application, continue looking for aid that can lower your college costs. These may include:

• Scholarships
• College grants
• Institutional aid (awards from your school)
• State programs

While FAFSA^® opens the door to federal aid, building an affordable college plan often means exploring every available resource.

Scholarships are a great way to lower your college costs. They're free money you don't have to pay back, and you can apply for as many as you want.

Use search tools like Scholly^® Scholarships to find scholarships based on your background, skill and interests. For an easy start, explore Sallie's $2,000 No Essay Scholarship and Scholly^® Easy Apply Scholarships, which lets you apply to multiple opportunities with one simple application.

Understanding your remaining college costs

Once your financial aid offers arrive, take time to look beyond the sticker price.

Compare each school's net price after grants and scholarships, not just tuition. Review each financial aid offer carefully, paying attention to:

• Grants you don't have to repay
• Scholarships you've earned
• Work-study opportunities
• Remaining out-of-pocket costs

For many families, financial aid won't cover every college expense. That's normal, and it's why comparing offers and making a plan for the remaining costs is just as important as filing the FAFSA^®.

If there's still a gap after you've maximized grants, scholarships, and federal aid, that's when you may want to explore additional financing options like student loans that fit your budget and goals.

Paying for college rarely comes down to one application or one funding source. It's usually the result of putting several pieces together thoughtfully.

The bottom line

Filing the FAFSA^® doesn't require having every answer, or every financial detail, perfectly organized before you begin. What matters most is getting started early enough to keep your options open.

The FAFSA^® is the foundation of most financial aid plans, but it's only the beginning. When you submit the FAFSA^® early, continue searching for scholarships and grants, compare financial aid offers carefully, and make a thoughtful plan for any remaining costs, you're often in a stronger position to make decisions with confidence.

Paying for college can feel like a series of big decisions, but you don't have to make them all at once. Start with the FAFSA^®, take each step as it comes, and keep looking for opportunities along the way. Every scholarship you apply for, every grant you qualify for, and every financial aid offer you compare brings you one step closer to a college plan you can feel good about.