We are just starting to get initial details for this year’s FAFSA 2025-26.  The launch date will be reinstated on October 1 but for only a selected group of users.  How this pilot group will be selected is still being determined.  The full launch is to be on December 1, 2024.

After the FAFSA 2024-25 disaster, students, parents, high schools, and colleges hope for a better process and more transparency.  With a change in leadership, we are headed in the right direction.

FAFSA 2025-26 Limited Availability on October 1, 2024

The announcement of another soft launch was initially disappointing.  It felt like an extension of the recent experience.  The Department of Education (DOE) has yet to give any further details on how it will select the test groups of contributors.

A recent Inspector General audit is still finding items regarding tax data and other FAFSA-related processes that were not properly completed.

We will need to wait and see how they handle the launch.  One advantage is that high schools and colleges can better plan with the hope of a full launch in December.

How is the Soft Launch Different From 2024-25

Based on the DOE announcement, the FAFSA 2024-25 soft launch only made the system available to the students and parents, the contributors.  This testing process limited the colleges from seeing their data and testing their systems.

The soft launch is planned to provide the information to all parties.   The Federal Student Aid (FSA) Department will be able to get a more holistic view of the problems and bugs.  This change is the most significant difference and the biggest advantage of this year’s soft launch.

Full FAFSA Launch Planned for December 1, 2024

According to the FAFSA announcement, the full launch is expected by December 1, 2024.  This date assumes no significant bugs are discovered during the soft launch testing period.  As part of the soft launch, they will increase the number of users from October 1 to December 1.  It still needs to be determined who these participants will be selected and how they will be selected.

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

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. This required authorization is established on 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.
• Understanding who needs to complete the FAFSA. These people are called participants.  What is different is it is based on how you file your taxes.  The FAFSA requires that you use the IRS data.
  • If married parents file their taxes as married and separate, both parents will be required to get FSA IDs. If the parents file as married and joint, only one parent needs to create an FSA ID.
  • If the student’s parents are divorced, then the parent who contributes the most financially to the dependent student is the contributor to the student.
• 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, we can only hope that the worst is behind us.  The 2024-25 FAFSA problems added stress to an already emotional and stressful process.

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.   If you need professional financial advice, please review our Find an Advisor page for the proper guidance.   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