Seniors can start filling out the 2026-2027 FAFSA beginning on October 1st!
Don’t let the cost of college stop you from getting a degree! There are ways to cover the cost, including financial aid. Take these steps to start the process:
1) Create an Account
To begin the process of applying for financial aid, create a Federal Student Aid account at studentaid.gov.
The StudentAid.gov account username and password (FSA ID) allows individuals to access Federal Student Aid websites and complete the FAFSA form online. Students and contributors (parents or guardians) are required to have an FSA ID to complete the FAFSA form.
Contributors: If you previously created an FSA ID, you don’t need to create another one. You can only have one FSA ID.
StudentAid.gov website: https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch
2) Complete the FAFSA-- Opened October 1st!
The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is your application for federal, state, and college-based financial aid. Complete the form at studentaid.gov in the fall of each year. The colleges you list on the FAFSA will use your information to award financial aid.
Video Demo English: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CZ3X1uSIc4
Video Demo Spanish: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDEwm_HQGBw
Nebraska law requires all public high school students to complete and submit a FAFSA as a graduation requirement starting with the graduating class of 2025. This type of requirement is also referred to as a Universal FAFSA requirement.
FAFSA is an excellent opportunity to learn of financial aid they may receive, to encourage postsecondary education, and to make more informed college-going decisions!
Here are some helpful resources!
How to complete the FAFSA Blog: https://educationquest.org/blog/how-to-complete-the-fafsa/
Step-by-Step FAFSA Guide: https://educationquest.org/blog/how-to-complete-the-fafsa-a-step-by-step-guide/
Go to this website and register for the FAFSA Tutorial time that works for your schedule! https://educationquestfoundation.clickmeeting.com/
Create your FSA ID here: https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/sign-in/landing
Fill out the FAFSA here: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
Now is the time for students and parents to create StudentAid.gov accounts to file the FAFSA.
The 2026–27 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) opens Oct. 1, 2025. Filing the form is essential to be eligible for grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans.
Checklist for Account Creation:
• Name as it appears on your Social Security Card.
• Date of birth.
• Personal email. Use one you will keep long-term as you will use it repeatedly.
• Social Security Number (SSN) if you have one. If not, see below.
Need an account for a parent? Check if one is required. If you’re a dependent student, the "Who's My FAFSA Parent" tool can help.
No SSN? Parents without SSNs will create accounts by selecting “What if I don’t have a Social Security Number?” Do not use an ITIN in place of SSN. This handout may be helpful.