The 2025–26 FAFSA^® FORM WILL BE AVAILABLE ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 1, 2024, for the award year that runs from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026.

How To Prepare for the 2025–26 FAFSA® Form

Prepare now so you can complete the 2025–26 FAFSA form as soon as it’s available on or before Dec 1, 2024.
Here are some ways you can get ready now before 12/1/2024:

STEP 1: Creating a StudentAid.gov Account

Every contributor—anyone (you, your spouse, a biological or adoptive parent, or your parent's spouse) who's required to provide information on the FAFSA form—needs a StudentAid.gov account before accessing and completing their section of the online form. We strongly recommend you and your contributor(s) create StudentAid.gov accounts before starting your FAFSA form. When you create your account, be careful to enter your name and Social Security number (SSN) exactly as they appear on your Social Security card. Contributors can access their StudentAid.gov account by using their FSA ID (account username and password).

WHAT THE PARENT & STUDENT WILL NEED TO COMPLETE THIS STEP:

Your Social Security number (if applicable).
Your own email address (do not use a high school email. You must use a Gmail, Yahoo, or another email where you can validate & receive information).
Write down or take a picture of your email address & password before submitting. You will use this each year throughout college and will need to access this federal site to complete FAFSA every year to obtain federal aid.

CREATE YOUR FSA ID HERE

NOTE:

Contributors without an SSN can create a StudentAid.gov account to fill out their portion of your FAFSA form online.
If you already have an FSA ID account you do NOT NEED TO create another account. You can use your previous account.

STEP 2: Starting Your
FAFSA® Form

The 2025–26 FAFSA form will be available on or before Dec 1, 2024, for the award year that runs from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026.

2025-2026 FAFSA^® APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA^®) form allows a student to be considered for federal student aid. In addition, states and colleges use FAFSA information to award their own grants, scholarships, and loans. But, since some aid is limited, you must meet the deadlines!

The FAFSA form must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Central time (CT) on June 30, 2026.
Any corrections or updates must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CT on Sept. 13, 2026.

DEADLINES FOR CT HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS:

ALL Connecticut high school seniors must submit their FAFSA application by Feb. 15, 2025, for priority consideration.
All other financial and/or institutional aid, a student MUST check with the financial aid office at the college or career school they plan to attend and have been accepted to. Additional forms may be required by that institute of higher education.

FAFSA Steps