Why Do I Have to Submit FAFSA?
FAFSA is your first and most important step to getting the money you need to help you pay for college. And the only way to find out if you qualify for any aid is to complete and submit a FAFSA.
According to National College Access Network (NCAN), high school graduates who complete the FAFSA are 84% more likely to enroll in college than graduates who don’t fill out the form. 1
The U.S. Department of Education uses your FAFSA information to calculate your SAI and determine your eligibility for financial aid.
In addition, many states and colleges use your FAFSA information to determine your eligibility for state and institutional aid. In some cases, the FAFSA could even be the deciding factor for merit-based scholarships.
How do I submit my FAFSA?
To submit your FAFSA, you may choose one of the following methods:
FAFSA Online
The easiest and fastest way to complete the FAFSA is through the online application at StudentAid.gov , which now features a fully “mobile-friendly” design that can be easily accessed and completed on any device.
The current “Better FAFSA” form is designed to be faster and easier to complete, often taking less than 30 minutes.
PDF FAFSA
PDF is also available for you to print and fill out manually or is screen-fillable. Remember, you must sign, date, and mail the form to the address provided for processing.
Paper FAFSA
If you don’t have Internet access, you can request a paper FAFSA by calling the
Federal Student Aid Information Center
(800) 433-3243
When should I submit my FAFSA?
For the 2026—2027 academic year, the FAFSA must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CT on June 30, 2027. States and colleges set their own FAFSA deadlines but none go beyond the federal cutoff.
It is recommended to file your FAFSA as soon as it becomes available on October 1st. With more students vying for aid, it’s almost always in your best interest to submit your application sooner rather than later.
And since it is FREE, there’s absolutely nothing to lose when you complete your FAFSA, even if you don’t think you’ll qualify for any aid.