The U.S. Department of Education announced Sept. 24 that the 2026–27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form is now online and available, marking the earliest launch in the program’s history. 

FAFSA completion is strongly correlated with postsecondary enrollment, but many low-income students don’t complete it because they believe it is too difficult, or they are unaware that they could receive need-based grant aid, according to the National College Attainment Network. Making FAFSA simpler and available earlier in the school year increases the probability that more students will complete it, especially those who will qualify for Pell Grants.

“I am extremely proud to announce the earliest launch of the FAFSA form in history, which ensures American students and families have access to critical resources as they begin or continue their postsecondary education journey,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon in a U.S. Department of Education press release. 

As part of the 2026–27 launch, a number of updates were included to streamline the application process and strengthen system performance:

• Redesigned Contributor Invite Process: Students can now invite their parent or contributor to complete their portion of the FAFSA form with a simple code. This redesign will improve completion rates, increase satisfaction, and reduce call center volume.
• Instant Verification for New StudentAid.gov Accounts: Students and parents now receive faster account confirmation, reducing delays and frustration.
• Industry-Leading Best Practices: Enhancements ensure students have access to the best tools and resources. Colleges and universities receive more accurate data and stronger protection against fraud and abuse. 

Federal Student Aid has developed a 2026-27 FAFSA Update Page for this year's form, and NCAN has also compiled a How-to Guide with resources and tools. 

The 2026–27 FAFSA form has been available in a beta period since August 3, 2025. As of Sept. 23, Federal Student Aid’s data gathered during multiple beta tests conducted across the country prove that the form is ready for all students and families. Feedback indicates that 97 percent of respondents reported satisfaction with the FAFSA form, and 90 percent said it took a reasonable time to complete the FAFSA form

2026-27 FAFSA Applications as of Sept. 24:

• 43,531 applications started
• 27,246 applications submitted
• 24,793 applications processed
• 23,840 processed without rejection