October 1st
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) for the 2026–2027 academic year becomes available.

How to Fill Out the FAFSA®

• Go to Studentaid.gov

• Log in using your FSA ID

• Follow the step-by-step questions and directions

• Add the schools you want to receive your FAFSA info

• Sign and submit your form!
   

Action: Start collecting the documents you’ll need and submit your FAFSA® as early as possible to increase your chances of receiving financial aid. Some programs may have separate deadlines for additional forms or paperwork.

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​You’ll get a confirmation page when it’s done, and later a Submission Summary that shows your estimated aid.

Action: Verify specific deadlines with your state's higher education

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Action: Verify specific deadlines with your state's higher education agency and your chosen colleges.
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Start A FAFSA®: FAFSA® Application

Early November
Continue submitting the FAFSA® if you haven't already. Early submission can increase your chances for state and institutional aid.

Action: Contact the college you’re applying to about their Early Decision Scholarship, some schools may have deadlines this month.

Ensure your FAFSA® is submitted to meet early consideration deadlines for certain state and institutional aid programs.

January 15: Some colleges have priority financial aid deadlines. Check with your prospective institutions.
 

Action: Submit any additional required financial aid forms, such as the CSS Profile or supplemental documents, if applicable.

February 1: Priority FAFSA® deadline for several states and institutions.

Example: Rutgers University recommends submitting by this date for maximum aid consideration.​
 

Action: Follow up with the college, university or career school on the status of your offer letter, if you have not received it at this time. Submit any document or update the FAFSA® if required.

March 1: Maryland state aid deadline. Submit your FAFSA® by this date to be considered for state grants and scholarships.
 

March 2: California's priority deadline for Cal Grant applications. Ensure both your FAFSA® and GPA verification are submitted.

Note: Some deadlines may have been extended; always check with the California Student Aid Commission for updates.

April 1: Deadline for state aid consideration in states like Kansas and Missouri.
 

Action: Confirm deadlines with your state's education department or financial aid office.

May 1: Pennsylvania state grant deadline. Submit your FAFSA by this date to be eligible.

Colleges may also have scholarship deadlines, so check with the school.

Action: Finalize your college decision and submit any required enrollment or housing deposits.

June 30: Federal deadline to submit the FAFSA® for the 2025–2026 academic year.
 

Action: Ensure all corrections or updates to your FAFSA® are completed.

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Note: If you are expecting a bill, now is the time to continue looking for scholarships even if you will not hear back from the scholarship orgranizer later in the fall.

July 1: Deadline for Arkansas state aid programs.
 

Action: Check with your state's financial aid office for any additional requirements or deadlines. 

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Note: Most tuition bills are due July 1st, so check with the school 

August 1: Final deadline for Pennsylvania state grant applications for community college students.
 

Action: Submit any outstanding documents required by your college's financial aid office

Note: This is the time to also sign up for a tuition payment plan for the balance. (Tuition payment plans will vary by school)

September 2: Final deadline for California community college students to apply for Cal Grants.
 

Action: Ensure all financial aid matters are settled before the academic year begins. Most schools have begun the process of verifying and confirming enrollment at this time and it may be some time before the student has access the refund that they may be owed. In this case, student(s) should following up with the school for more information.