FAFSA UPDATES FROM LIANE CRANE

Hello!

The 2025-2026 FAFSA is now open...but the caveats;

*The form is still in the final stage of beta testing with high hopes the glitches and technical errors from last year have been fixed. Be mindful that errors can still occur. The actual launch date is still December 1st. It may be in your best interest to wait a few weeks before submitting.

*Parent(s) and student (if applicable) will need their 2023 taxes and current asset information.

*Realize the deadline to submit the 2025-2026 FAFSA is June 30, 2026. Some state and institutional funding can be limited so especially those with a very low SAI may want to submit before the end of the year.

*Remember there could be downtime or glitches that delay your submission more than if you hold out a few weeks as the system is tested by thousands of submissions in the next two weeks. (It is not only the submission but also the transfer of information to the college.) 

*Returning college students can wait a bit, most often their FAFSA is not due until Feb/ March, 2026, be sure to check the college website.

Additional information: 
From the Dept of Ed:
https://www.ed.gov/about/news/press-release/us-department-of-education-announces-final-beta-testing-period-2025-26-fafsa-form
FSA ID - https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch
FAFSA - https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
YouTube instructional videos - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmEP38x-1Z8

If there has been any family or financial changes for 2024, or you would like to review How to Pay for College, college finances or forms at an hourly rate, please schedule a time HERE.


Liane Crane, CFSLA
TheCollegeDollar.com
Member; HECA, NCAG
Forbes Financial Aid Article
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