Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Launch of the 2026–27 FAFSA® Form

The 2026–27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form will be available on October 1, 2025. See the information below for more details about how to complete the FAFSA.

FAFSA checklist

Use this checklist to stay organized and get assistance for each step of the FAFSA process.

Create your StudentAid.gov account

FAFSA requires students and their contributor(s) to have a StudentAid.gov account (or FSA ID). This ID will be your login for all federal student aid websites.

Here are some resources to help you create your StudentAid.gov account and avoid some common errors.

Create Your StudentAid.gov account.
- Suggested audience: 12th grade students and their parent(s)/guardian(s) who do not yet have an FSA ID.
How To Guide

FAFSA Form Online

In Minnesota, ALL students should apply for financial aid using one of two applications! The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the most commonly used form - and is for students who are U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens. Click on the link to the left to complete the FAFSA form online to apply for federal financial aid.

Here are some resources to help you.

Before you start the FAFSA, review the checklist found here.
Apply for Financial Aid - FAFSA
- Suggested audience: 12th grade students who are U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens, and their parent(s)/guardian(s)

Additional Resources

MN Goes to College - Minnesota Goes to College is our state’s effort to provide graduating high school seniors with the preparation, opportunity, and support needed to apply and enroll in college.

uASPIRE - A national nonprofit that improves the economic mobility of underrepresented students by creating financial solutions to diverse postsecondary pathways.

12 Tips to Pay for College without Parents' Help - An article highlighting practical ways to pay for tuition, housing, and daily expenses so you can focus on your education.

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