Good news! The 2025-26 FAFSA is open to all students.

Although still in testing mode, the Department of Education has provided access to not just the approved schools and community-based organizations, but to all everyone.

This puts ED about two weeks ahead of its announced schedule.

Thus far there have been no reports of serious issues for students. Please leave a comment detailing your experience with this year’s application.

There have also been no reports of serious issues with data received by universities and state agencies.

Feedback from an Approved FAFSA Beta Tester

Earlier this month, I spoke with Patrick Simon of the Citrus County Coalition for College and Careers, he reported that the majority of students were able to complete the application in fifteen minutes or less. Some independent students needed less time. This happened during phase #3 of beta testing.

Mr. Simon also confirmed that corrections and adjustments made by FSA to the application were from a list of suggestions provided by his students that was compiled during the previous FAFSA cycle.

This is all good news, especially considering where we were this time last year.

FAFSA Tip

Mr. Simon offered sound advice for first-time and returning FAFSA users.

• Use your cellphone to keep a record of your username, password, and backup code
• Take a screen capture of your SAI report.

Following this advice can save you time and frustration in the future.

Recent FAFSA Developments

In other news, the House passed the FAFSA Deadline Act that would require ED to release the FAFSA no later than October 1 each year.

There is a similar bill in the Senate but with a new administration taking office on January 20 and the Senate term ending on January 3, the outcome is uncertain.

We will keep you posted on new developments as they unfold.

VIDEO UPDATE 12/23/24

UPDATE: FAFSA Beta Testing Phase #3 Underway

The preliminary results from FAFSA beta testing phase #3 are in, and mostly positive.

On November 6, the Department of Education (ED) released the first batch of data from the testing phase that began on November 1.

The reported information is positive.

As expected, there was a significant increase in the number of participating users. Despite this increase, completion time and user satisfaction ratings increased from the last numbers reported for testing phase #2.

–>>New Update Available on YouTube<<–

Ongoing FAFSA Corrections

Before phase # 3 began, ED reported correcting several, persistent known issues. 

Having these issues resolved ahead of the start of phase #3 was timely, and no doubt contributed to the improved user experience.

First Data Sets for FAFSA Beta Testing #3

For comparison the last set of data provided for phase #2 is included.

We start with the number of students and contributors.

Over 8,000 additional students took part in the initial round of phase #3 testing. This is in line with ED’s published timeline.

Next, we’ll look at the user experience satisfaction ratings.

Although the increases are modest for both “Satisfaction” and “Reasonable time,” with triple the number of users, any increase should be viewed as a success.

…and finally, applications that were processed and forwarded to financial aid offices at institutions of higher education (IHE). ISIR is short for Institutional Student Information Report.

This category is more difficult to judge. The numbers appear to be tracking in the wrong direction, but the next update should present a clear picture.

For now, we are reserving analysis.

What’s Next?

Testing phase #3 concludes in a few days. The fourth and final testing phase will begin immediately after the end of phase #3

There is more data to collect and report from subsequent sessions of phase #3, but this early report is very encouraging.

With this latest report, we are cautiously optimistic that a December 1 release of a functional FAFSA seems not only possible but reasonable.

Don’t expect perfection because with multiple systems and software communicating there will always be a few hiccups.

Leave the past in the past

The reported news and user experience for all involved parties regarding the 2024-25 FAFSA was horrendous. It appears the experience this year will be a vast improvement over the last one.

The FAFSA is the gateway to higher education for many students providing access to not only Pell Grants, but also state aid, institutional aid, and private scholarships.

Please leave a comment below letting us know what you expect from the 2025-26 FAFSA.

Top Reasons to Complete the FAFSA

Notwithstanding last year’s FAFSA breakdown, every student should complete the FAFSA.

You’ve probably read, or at least heard, about the almost total breakdown of the 2024-25 FAFSA application process. Don’t allow past events or any other reason to deter you from submitting your completed FAFSA application for 2025-26.

Many of the issues from the last cycle have been resolved. The Department of Education (ED) conducted extensive beta testing, which has resulted in an improved experience for users for the 2025-26 FAFSA.

The FAFSA is your gateway to attending a 2-year or 4-year college, or trade school with little or no debt.

Although the name Federal Application for Federal Student Aid implies that it relates only to funds from the federal government, that is not the case.

The FAFSA opens the “vault” doors to state, institutional aid, and private scholarships. As the saying goes, don’t leave money on the table.

Reason #1- You Won’t Know Until You Submit

Don’t assume your parents make too much money, especially if that assumption is based on the experience of an older sibling.

The 2024-25 FAFSA and all that follow are based on a new aid calculation formula. Some college students who had never received a Pell Grant qualified under the new formula, and others saw their aid reduced.

The “FAFSA 2024-25 Rundown” post outlines the most critical changes.

Reason #2 State Aid

To receive state-based financial aid for attending a college or university in your home state, you must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Even if you don’t qualify for a federal Pell Grant, you may receive money from your home state.

Reason #3 – Institutional Aid

Your impressive high school achievements, including strong academics and community service, won’t secure a scholarship from your desired university unless you submit a completed FAFSA application.

Reason #4 – Private Money

Many national, state, and local organizations provide scholarships to students to assist with tuition costs. It is not uncommon for these organizations to require the FAFSA.

Reason # – Not Just for 4-year Schools

Federal, state, and private scholarships can frequently be used for community college and in some cases trade school.

NOTE: In addition to the FAFSA, many schools and some private scholarships also require students to submit the CSS Profile.

Fewer Questions – Less Time

The new FAFSA takes considerably less time to complete than the previous application. The new cycle is expected to have fewer bugs and hiccups than last year’s untested, glitch-riddled form.

You owe it to yourself and future success to learn what financial aid is available to you.

Knowledge is power – seize yours.