The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is officially open for the Class of 2026! Completing the FAFSA is the most important step in securing financial aid for college, trade school, or career training programs.
This application determines eligibility for:
Federal grants (money you don’t repay)
Work-study opportunities
Low-interest federal student loans
Many state and college-specific scholarships
How the FAFSA Works This Year:
The student begins the FAFSA with their own username and password.
The student will then invite one parent/guardian (called a “contributor”) to log in with their own username and password.
That parent completes their section, and then the FAFSA is submitted.
Important: Only one parent needs to fill out the FAFSA. Which parent is used depends on the family situation:
Married parents (to each other): Both parents’ information is included, but only one parent logs in as the contributor.
Divorced/separated parents: Use the parent the student lived with most in the past 12 months (or who provided more financial support).
If that parent is remarried, the stepparent’s info must be included too.
Single, never married parent: Only that parent’s info is needed.
Why act quickly?
Some financial aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Many colleges require the FAFSA on file before awarding scholarships.
Even if you don’t think you qualify, it’s still worth completing.
You’ll need your 2024 tax information to complete the form.