FSA has released the May 2025 update to the 2026–27 FAFSA Specifications Guide, a comprehensive resource for financial aid administrators, software developers, and data processing professionals. This guide provides detailed information on integrating and managing electronic FAFSA data within institutional systems.
Key Highlights from the May 2025 Update
New Volumes Released
The May 2025 update introduces several critical volumes:
- Volume 4A – Record Layouts: Offers detailed ISIR layouts, including updates to valid field content for specific fields.
- Volume 4B – Processing Codes: Provides comprehensive tables of codes, messages, and data specifications to assist in defining institutional systems and correcting FAFSA data.
- Volume 5 – Edits and Rejects: Details data edits for various FAFSA contributors and includes reject codes and resolution guidance to ensure data integrity.
- Volume 9 – Testing and Web Demo System: Describes ISIR test data and provides guidance for schools and software vendors to test their systems. Notably, there will be no Web Demo system for 2026–27.
Ongoing Updates and Change Tracking
To accommodate new requirements or address issues, revised versions of volumes may be posted throughout the processing cycle. Each volume includes a “Change History Table” that outlines all modifications made over time, enabling users to track updates effectively.
Planned Releases
Additional volumes of the FAFSA Specifications Guide are scheduled for release in August and September 2025.
Current Available Volumes as of May 7, 2025:
- Introduction: 2026-27 FAFSA Specifications Guide – Introduction
- Volume 4A – Record Layouts: 2026–27 FAFSA Specifications Guide – Volume 4A
- 2026–27 ISIR Record Layout: 2026–27 ISIR Record Layout
- Volume 4B – Processing Codes: 2026–27 FAFSA Specifications Guide – Volume 4B
- Volume 5 – Edits and Rejects: 2026–27 FAFSA Specifications Guide – Volume 5
- Volume 9 – Testing and Web Demo System: 2026–27 FAFSA Specifications Guide – Volume 9
SOURCE: 2026–27 FAFSA Specifications Guide (May 2025 Update)