If you’re planning for college, you’ve probably asked yourself: When is FAFSA due for 2025-26? It’s a question every student (and parent) wonders about, and getting it right can mean the difference between snagging aid or missing out. Let’s clear up the deadlines so you don’t have to stress.
The Federal FAFSA Deadline
The big date you need to know: June 30, 2026.
That’s the official federal deadline for submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2025-26 academic year. You’ll need to hit submit by 11:59 p.m. Central Time on that day.
A few key points:
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No new FAFSA applications for 2025-26 will be accepted after June 30, 2026.
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Corrections or updates can still be made until September 13, 2026.
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This deadline is set by the U.S. Department of Education.
When Does the 2025-26 FAFSA Open?
Traditionally, FAFSA opens October 1, but things shifted with recent updates.
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For the 2025-26 FAFSA, the form became available in late 2024 (around November).
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Students can file any time between the opening date and the federal deadline.
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While the window is long, many states and schools have their own priority deadlines that are much earlier.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait Until the Deadline
Even though the federal FAFSA due date is June 30, 2026, waiting until then isn’t the best idea.
Here’s why:
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First-come, first-served aid: Many state and school programs give out money until it runs out.
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Earlier deadlines: Some states and colleges require FAFSA as early as January or March 2025.
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More room for corrections: Filing early means you’ll have time to fix mistakes.
Fun facts:
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FAFSA now uses “prior-prior year” tax info, so you’ll report 2023 tax data for the 2025-26 form.
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Some states like California (March 2) and Texas (January 15) have much earlier priority deadlines.
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The FAFSA Simplification Act has streamlined the form — fewer questions, and different rules for family income.
Step-by-Step: What You Should Do
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Check your state and school deadlines
Many are months earlier than June 30, 2026. -
Get your documents ready
You’ll need Social Security numbers, tax forms, and financial records. -
Submit as soon as possible
Don’t wait until spring — the earlier you apply, the better your chances. -
Confirm your FAFSA is processed
Watch for your Student Aid Report (SAR) to ensure everything went through. -
Update if needed
You can make corrections until September 2026.
Personal Insight
When I first applied for FAFSA, I thought the federal deadline was the only one that mattered. Big mistake! I almost missed my state’s much earlier cutoff. Now, I always encourage students to treat the federal deadline as a last resort safety net — but aim to file way before then.
So, to wrap it up: the federal deadline for the 2025-26 FAFSA is June 30, 2026, but state and school deadlines may be earlier — sometimes much earlier. Apply early, double-check your local dates, and don’t leave free money on the table.
Have you already checked your state’s FAFSA deadline? Drop it in the comments — it might help another student too!