The 2027–28 FAFSA is for school attendance from July 1, 2027, through June 30, 2028. Federal Student Aid says the online form will be available by October 1, 2026. The federal submission deadline comes much later, but state and college priority deadlines can be earlier and limited funds can run out, so the practical move is to prepare contributor accounts and financial records now and file as soon as the form opens.
Information checked: September 10, 2026.
Which FAFSA form applies?
Use the 2027–28 FAFSA if the student will attend during the award year that begins July 1, 2027 and ends June 30, 2028. A summer term can fall under either of two award years depending on the school, so ask the financial aid office which form it requires. Filing the wrong year can delay an aid package even when the information itself is accurate.
The deadline is really three deadlines
There is a federal processing deadline, a state aid deadline, and each college or career school's deadline. Federal Student Aid tells applicants to check all three. State and institutional deadlines may be priority dates rather than absolute cutoffs, but missing one can reduce access to grants, scholarships, or work-study funds that are awarded until exhausted. Save a screenshot or PDF of each deadline page and note whether the form must be submitted or processed by that date.
Prepare every contributor before October 1
The student needs a StudentAid.gov account. Depending on dependency and marital status, a parent, a parent's spouse, or the student's spouse may be a contributor and need a separate account. A contributor without a Social Security number can create an account, but each person should use a unique email address and complete identity steps early. Being a contributor does not by itself make that person responsible for the student's education costs.
Documents and facts to gather
Collect Social Security numbers when applicable, legal names and birth dates, current marital status, school choices, federal tax information, child support received, cash, savings and checking balances, and reportable investments or businesses. The form uses consent and approval to obtain federal tax information. Do not guess which parent belongs on the form; use the official parent wizard when parents are divorced or separated.
After submission
Review the confirmation and FAFSA Submission Summary, correct genuine errors, and respond promptly if a school asks for verification documents. Adding a school later is different from changing financial facts. If income has fallen because of job loss, death, divorce, or another special circumstance, submit the FAFSA with required information first and then ask the financial aid office about a professional-judgment review.
Frequently asked questions
Is October 1 the deadline?
No. It is the announced availability date for the 2027–28 form, not the universal deadline.
Should I wait until I am admitted?
Usually no. You can list schools before admission, and early filing protects access to time-sensitive aid.
What if a contributor has no SSN?
Federal Student Aid provides an account process for contributors without an SSN. Start early because identity steps can take time.
Summary
Do not treat the federal deadline as your target date. Check the deadline for your state and every school, create StudentAid.gov accounts before filing day, and submit the 2027–28 form as early as practical after it becomes available. Rules, funding and deadlines can change, so use the official links below before acting.