The Department of Education (DOE) announced this week that the beta testing is going well and that they have not seen any major errors that would delay the planned December 1 launch.  This announcement is great news, considering last year’s problems.

They are entering the Beta Test 4 stage this week, which is still a controlled test.  The other good news is that the colleges are also receiving their data.  Some minor issues were discovered but not critical or game-stoppers.  This news is a significant change from last year’s initial testing.

Beta 4 Testing and Expanded Beta 4 Testing

The FAFSA Beta 4 test opened last week and is the final controlled testing planned at this point.  Over 12,920 students have submitted the 2025-26 FAFSA, and a few thousand students will be part of the last test.  These participants were invited testers.  The DOE asked community groups, high schools, and colleges to volunteer students and their contributors for these tests.  It has gone very well.

Assuming this final control test goes well, the DOE will open Expanded Beta 4 Testing, which will not require an invitation to participate.  How and when that will be announced is still being determined.  PayForEd will send out an alert once that happens.  This will be a final test before the formal launch on December 1.

Here are some Testing Results as of 11/13:

• Participating students – 17,260
• Participating Contributors – 9,935
• Participating Organizations – 57
• Number of Higher Education Institutions – 2,080
• User Satisfaction Level – 95%
• Reason Time to Complete – 92%
• FAFSA Submitted – 12,920
• FAFSA Delivered (ISIR) – 81.720

Full FAFSA Launch Planned for December 1, 2024

According to the FAFSA announcement, the full launch is expected by December 1, 2024.  Based on testing, this launch date looks positive.  This date assumes no significant bugs will be discovered during the final testing groups.

If the December 1 full FAFSA launch date is met, the admission process will return to a typical timeline for rolling and regular admission.  If you are applying for Early Decision, understand the deadlines and forms that the school needs to complete your application.

FAFSA 2025-26 Limited Availability on October 1, 2024

The FAFSA 2025-26 soft launch made the system available to specific students and parents, the contributors.  The testing process limited it to selected schools and families from October 1 to December 1.

This year’s most significant difference is that all the colleges will see their side of the FAFSA data during the soft launch.  This process will allow the colleges to test their internal systems, which did not occur last year, resulting in more delays for both families and the colleges.

The Federal Student Aid (FSA) Department will have a more holistic view of the problems and bugs.

Preparing for the FAFSA

Here is a list of items parents and students can do to prepare for the FAFSA.

• Each person involved with completing the FAFSA will need to establish an FSA ID and password.  To establish this required authorization, go to the StudentAid.gov website.  You will need your social security number, the name on your social security card, and your current mailing address.  Having the same FSA ID, Social Security information, and Tax information match is a good practice.
  • For parents who may not have a social security number, your identity will be established via your credit history.  If that is successful, an FSA ID will be created.  If it is unsuccessful, contact your high school guidance office or your state’s education department.
• Understanding who needs to complete the FAFSA.
• These people are called participants.  The difference is it is based on how people file their taxes.  The FAFSA requires that you use the IRS data.
  • If married parents file their taxes as married and separate, both parents must get an FSA ID.  However, if the parents file as married and joint, only one parent must create an FSA ID.
  • If the student’s parents are divorced, the parent who contributes the most financially to the dependent student is the student’s FAFSA contributor.
  • Unmarried parents who live in the same household will be required to create an FAFSA ID for each of them, and both will be contributors.
• If your 2023 taxes are on extension, then submitting the FAFSA could be delayed due to the IRS integration.  It usually takes 4 – 8 weeks for the IRS data to be available for the FAFSA.
• Verify the FAFSA code college code before you apply on the college’s website.

Summary of FAFSA 2025-26 Status and Update

As we start a new financial aid school year, it appears that last year’s disaster will be avoided.  The FAFSA and college decision process are stressful and emotional.  Just take your time and take a deep breath.

Every student should complete the FAFSA for various reasons.   PayForEd has a series of financial aid nights covering the entire process, from Financial Aid positioning to Student loan forgiveness.   Here is our link to our Virtual Financial Aid nights.   Please review our Find an Advisor page for guidance if you need professional financial advice.   PayForEd’s College Cost Analyzer software helps families understand their financial aid position and the cost of each college.  It compares the financial award letters at decision time so that families can make a better decision