News

The 25-26 FAFSA is here, and you might be wondering what’s in store. Will it be similar to last year, when the FAFSA posed significant challenges for students, families, and practitioners nationwide? Or will this year’s FAFSA process be smoother for everyone involved? Are the FAFSA simplifications we hoped for in the 24-25 cycle finally taking effect?

Let’s review what Federal Student Aid (FSA) did to create a smoother 25-26 FAFSA season and what to expect once the FAFSA is available. 

What FSA Has Done to Prepare

The FAFSA completed four rounds of beta testing

Federal Student Aid (FSA) and the Department of Education began multiple rounds of beta testing in early October and just completed the fourth round, which was open to all eligible students. Over the past two months, thousands of students have successfully submitted their FAFSAs to their respective colleges. You can check the latest information here to learn more about the beta testing and any issues FSA identified.

Updated Tools and Resources from FSA. 

There are several updated tools and resources available to help you prepare and support your students as they (and their contributors) create FSA IDs and complete the FAFSA.

• FAFSA Roadmap: The FAFSA Roadmap provides a timeline and links to the latest information released by Federal Student Aid (FSA). This tool helps you stay organized and informed about what's available, ensuring you and your students are always up-to-date.
• 25-26 FAFSA Preview Presentation: Looking for screenshots to update your tools or resources? Curious about what's changed with the 25-26 FAFSA? The Preview Presentation walks through each page of the FAFSA, making it perfect for FAFSA completion nights and other presentations you may host.
• Federal Student Aid Estimator: The Federal Student Aid Estimator has been updated for the 25-26 FAFSA. If students are wondering how much financial aid they might receive, this tool is a great starting point. It provides an estimated Student Aid Index (SAI) and estimated eligibility for federal financial aid, helping students plan their finances more effectively.
• Who Counts as a Parent on the FAFSA? Tool: Before creating an FSA ID, it's important to determine whose information is required on the FAFSA. The Parent Tool helps students identify which parent needs to create an FSA ID before they start the FAFSA, ensuring accurate and complete applications.

FSA ID Creation is Available

Any student who needs to complete the FAFSA and any contributor who needs to provide their information on the FAFSA will require an FSA ID. Creating FSA IDs early allows time to resolve any issues and ensures everyone is ready to complete the FAFSA when it opens. uAspire’s FSA ID Guide, available in seven different languages, explains why the FSA ID is important, the steps to create one, and how to troubleshoot any issues that may arise along the way.

What to Expect with the FAFSA This Year

The FAFSA Looks Fairly Similar to Last Year

The 25-26 FAFSA maintains a familiar structure with no dramatic design or question changes. However, there are subtle adjustments aimed at helping students answer questions more accurately. For example, the question about applying for an unsubsidized direct loan now automatically defaults to “No” to prevent filers from mistakenly answering “Yes” and becoming ineligible for financial aid. Additionally, when students consent to Data Direct Exchange (DDX), the form now alerts them if their federal tax information couldn’t be retrieved from the IRS. Expect updated and improved help text throughout the form to guide students effectively.

The FAFSA Has Fewer Technical Bugs

Extensive beta testing conducted by Federal Student Aid (FSA) before the full launch has significantly minimized the technical bugs experienced last year. While the form is more stable, we remain prepared for potential challenges during the official launch. Therefore, we recommend postponing FAFSA completion events planned for December 1st and allowing a few extra days to ensure the launch proceeds smoothly and any issues are promptly addressed.

The FAFSA is Processing After Submission

Unlike last year, where students submitted the FAFSA and waited months for processing, the full functionality of the 25-26 FAFSA form is now available. Once a student submits their FAFSA, the form will process, and they will receive access to their FAFSA submission summary within a few days. This summary allows them to make corrections, view their official Student Aid Index (SAI), and add colleges. Additionally, colleges can access FAFSA information soon after submission, enabling them to provide financial aid offers on a much better timeline for students in the spring.