The federal FAFSA deadline for the 2025-2026 academic year is June 30, 2026, by 11:59 pm Central Time. This means students have from November 14, 2024, to June 30, 2026, to file their FAFSA application for that academic year. It is important to file as early as possible after the FAFSA opens, which is expected to be on or around December 1, 2024, for this cycle. Filing early can increase the chances of receiving more grants and financial aid. Additionally, while the federal deadline is June 30, individual states and colleges may have earlier deadlines, so it's important to check those as well. Corrections or updates to the FAFSA must typically be submitted by mid-September after the federal deadline. In summary:
- FAFSA opens: Around December 1, 2024 (for 2025-2026)
- FAFSA federal deadline: June 30, 2026
- Deadline for corrections/updates: Mid-September 2026 (approx.)
For best results, file FAFSA as soon as possible after it opens to maximize aid opportunities.
