How To Fill Out The FAFSA® For 2026-27
A Step-By-Step Guide To Filling Out The FAFSA®
Learn how to fill out the Free Application For Federal Student Aid so that you don't make a mistake that could disqualify you from financial aid for college!
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What Is The FAFSA and Why Do You Need To Fill It Out?
Many students and parents don’t fill out the FAFSA because they think federal grants are only available to families earning less than $50,000. The truth? You could qualify for other financial despite your income or your family’s income. Why should you fill out a FAFSA? To maximize your chances to receive grants, scholarships and avoid student loan debt, and much more!
To qualify for grants, financial aid, and scholarships, you must fill out a FAFSA form. If you don’t meet the requirements for need-based scholarships, the college could award a merit-based scholarship instead.
When some schools have tuition over $65,000, need-based financial aid is even available to students from middle and upper-middle class income brackets.
Once you fill out a FAFSA form, you automatically qualify for low-interest and forgivable federal student loans, which are the best kind of student loans. The FAFSA form is also required to qualify a parent for a federal parent PLUS loan.
How can completing a FAFSA form improve your chances of getting into a particular school? If a student fails to submit a FAFSA form to an institution, they are less likely to enroll. Aside from qualifying for grants, scholarships, and other forms of financial aid, filling out a FAFSA form indicates that you are interested in that institution, making it more likely that the institution will try to entice you to attend by offering financial aid.
What is the FAFSA used for?
Once you complete the FAFSA, it's sent to the college you select. It's also sent to your state financial aid agency.
Once you're accepted to college, the school will put together a financial aid award package that's based on your FAFSA answers.
That's why filling out the FAFSA is so important!
The FAFSA can unlock the following for you:
- Pell Grants
- State Grants
- University Aid (Scholarships and Grants)
- Private Scholarships
- Student Loans
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When Do You Need To Fill Out The FAFSA?
Timing is important - the earlier you fill out the FAFSA, the more potential aid you can receive. It's also essential that you meet any college, state, or federal FAFSA deadline.
With that being said, parents and students of the class of 2026 fill out the FAFSA starting October 1, 2025.
Here's a quick guide:
- Starting College In Fall 2026: Fill out the FAFSA starting October 1, 2025
- Starting College In Fall 2027: Fill out the FAFSA starting October 1, 2026 (hopefully)
🚨 Financial Aid Is First-Come, First-Served 🚨
It's important that you file the FAFSA as early as possible because many financial aid programs are first-come, first-served. Federal aid is not, but each state may have a deadline, and university aid can run out very early. Don't wait to file!
Before You Get Started With The FAFSA
Completing the FAFSA seems overwhelming until you've done it once. Then you realize it's just like most job applications you've ever filled out.
The FAFSA is broken into multiple sections: Student, Student Spouse (If Applicable), Parent, Parent Spouse or Partner (If Applicable), and Preparer Information. Each person needs their own FSA ID. If you're a parent who has student loans, this is the same ID you use to login to StudentAid.gov.
Create Your FSA ID
Create a FSA ID, a username and password combination that allows you to sign your FAFSA form electronically. Your FSA ID also can be used to sign loan contracts and to access certain information online.
- Student: Get your FSA ID is a username and password to sign the FAFSA form online. If you don’t have an FSA ID, get an FSA ID here ASAP. If this is your first time filling out the FAFSA form, you can use your FSA ID and to start filling out your FAFSA form. If you are renewing your FAFSA, you may need to wait a few days to get your account verified before using your FSA ID to renew the FAFSA form.
- Parent: If your child is required to report parent information on the FAFSA form, you need to create your own FSA ID in order to sign your child’s FAFSA form online.
Important: Be careful not to mix up parent and student FSA IDs, otherwise it can delay the process!
If you log in with your FSA ID, your personal information will be automatically populated in your application, which prevents errors if you accidentally enter your parent’s FSA ID instead of your own, or when the FSA ID does not match the information on your FAFSA form.
2026-27 FAFSA Questions Step-By-Step
Whether you’re a student filling out a FAFSA, or a parent of a student, the steps below will help you fill out the FAFSA the right way and qualify for maximum benefits. Remember, you must complete a FAFSA form for each academic year.
Have a question? Come join our FAFSA and Paying For College Help Facebook Group! Or join our Paying For College Help sub-Reddit!
Student Spouse Information
Parent Information
Parent Financial Information
Parent Spouse Information
In the case you utilize a FAFSA preparer, they must provide their information. Learn more about FAFSA preparers.
Watch Our 2026-27 Video Tutorial
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FAQs
What is the FAFSA and why is it important to complete it?
The FAFSA is the federal application used to determine eligibility for financial aid, including grants, student loans, and work‑study programs offered by the government and many schools.
When should I fill out the FAFSA for the 2026-27 academic year?
Students should complete the FAFSA as soon as it opens to maximize eligibility for limited aid programs that may be awarded on a first‑come, first‑served basis.
What is an FSA ID and who needs one to complete the FAFSA?
An FSA ID is a secure login used to sign and submit the FAFSA electronically. Both students and parents typically need their own FSA ID.
What types of financial aid can I receive by filling out the FAFSA?
Completing the FAFSA may qualify students for federal grants, subsidized and unsubsidized loans, work‑study opportunities, and certain state or institutional aid programs.
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FAFSA® is a registered service mark of U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid.