The 2025-26 FAFSA will fully launch by December, though some students will get access as early as Oct. 1.
The Education Department committed to fully launching the FAFSA by Dec. 1 — but select groups of students will be able to access and submit the form as early as Oct. 1. The early access is part of a beta testing process designed by the Education Department to identify and fix FAFSA issues before the form’s public debut.
The Education Department will work with high schools, colleges, state agencies and college access groups to find and invite a diverse group of student volunteers for early FAFSA access. Beta testing will begin with hundreds of participants and ramp up to “tens of thousands” ahead of Dec. 1, a department spokesperson said.
There are, however, two key reasons to submit the FAFSA during the test period, if given the opportunity. First, test group members may get access to personalized help from the Education Department, McCarthy says. Don’t worry if you’re not selected for early FAFSA access — you’ll still have time to fill out the form and meet priority financial aid deadlines for your state and college. Submit the form as soon as possible after it opens to the public in December to qualify for the largest award. Some types of aid come from a limited pool, and can run out.
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