The U.S. Department of Education has announced that the 2026-27 FAFSA® form is now live to the general public—ahead of its target release date of October 1.
“I am extremely proud to announce the earliest launch of the FAFSA form in history, which ensures American students and families have access to critical resources as they begin or continue their postsecondary education journey,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon.
Modernized Features & Improvements
As part of the 2026–27 launch, the Department introduced a series of updates designed to streamline the application process and strengthen system performance.
- Redesigned Contributor Invite Process: Students can now invite their parent or contributor to complete their portion of the FAFSA form with a simple code. This redesign will improve completion rates, increase satisfaction, and reduce call center volume.
- Instant Verification for New StudentAid.gov Accounts: Students and parents now receive faster account confirmation, reducing delays and frustration.
- Industry-Leading Best Practices: Enhancements ensure students have access to the best tools and resources. Colleges and universities receive more accurate data and stronger protection against fraud and abuse.
Strong Early Beta Performance
The 2026–27 FAFSA form has been available in a beta period since August 3, 2025. As of September 23, Federal Student Aid’s data gathered during multiple beta tests conducted across the country prove that the form is ready for all students and families.
User Feedback:
- 97% of respondents reported satisfaction with the FAFSA form
- 90% said it took a reasonable time to complete the FAFSA form
Applications:
- 43,531 applications started
- 27,246 applications submitted
- 24,793 applications processed
- 23,840 processed without rejection
SOURCE:
(APP-25-18) 2026–27 FAFSA Improvements and Beta Testing Plan (Updated Sept. 24, 2025)
Press Release: U.S. Department of Education Announces Earliest FAFSA Form Launch in Program History