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FAFSA form opens early for 2027-2028 school year

Published on September 27, 2026

The Department of Education has launched the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) earlier than ever before. The form went live on studentaid.gov on Saturday, September 26, 2026. This is the second year in a row the agency has launched the form before October 1, the deadline set by the FAFSA Simplification Act of 2020.

The early rollout affects the millions of American families seeking financial aid for the 2027-2028 school year. The department describes the form as its simplest version, with clearer language and a feature that allows students to invite a contributor by text or email. Department officials said the form takes 15 minutes on average to complete.

Applicants may complete the form on studentaid.gov. Department officials urged families to fill it out because it supports resources for low and middle income households, including federal Pell Grants for students from low income families.

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