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Here are five FAFSA tips that every student (and parent) should know before applying this year. Let's get into it.
If you’re planning to attend college next year, there’s one form that can make or break how much financial help you get: the FAFSA.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is your key to grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and low-interest federal loans. And after major changes under the FAFSA Simplification Act and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, it’s more important than ever to understand how to fill it out correctly in 2025.
Good news — the FAFSA has officially returned to its October 1 open date for the 2026–27 school year.
This might seem early, but applying right away can make a huge difference. Many state and school-based aid programs have limited funds that are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. The earlier you file, the more likely you are to receive grants and scholarships — and the less you’ll need to borrow later. Even if you’re not sure which college you’ll attend yet, go ahead and submit your FAFSA. You can always update your school list later.
💡 Pro tip: Set a reminder every October 1 to start your FAFSA — your future self will thank you.
One of the biggest changes to the FAFSA process is the introduction of contributors — anyone required to provide financial information on your form, such as a parent, stepparent, or spouse.
Each contributor needs their own FSA ID (a username and password to log into the federal system). Once you start the FAFSA, you’ll “invite” them by email to complete their portion. If they don’t log in and fill it out, your FAFSA could become inactive or even expire after a set period of inactivity — usually around 45 days.
✅ A valid email address
✅ Their Social Security number
✅ Their FSA ID created and verified
✅ Recent tax information ready
Having this done early keeps the process smooth and stress-free.
The new FAFSA rules simplify the process — but also change how your financial picture is calculated.
Here’s what’s different in 2025:
All these changes are meant to make the FAFSA fairer and easier — but it’s still important to review your info carefully before submitting.
Every year, thousands of students lose out on financial aid because of small errors. Avoid these common slip-ups:
🚫 Leaving fields blank — always enter “0” or “N/A” if something doesn’t apply.
🚫 Using commas or decimals in number fields — round to the nearest dollar.
🚫 Entering names or Social Security numbers incorrectly — make sure everything matches official documents.
And here’s a big one: list every school you’re considering — even if you’re not 100% sure you’ll apply. You can now send your FAFSA to up to 20 schools instead of 10, so take advantage of that!
Double-check before hitting “Submit” — those few extra minutes can save weeks of correction delays later.
Your FAFSA reflects the financial information you submitted — but life can change fast.
If your family experiences a job loss, medical bills, or another major financial shift after you file, you can ask your college for something called a professional judgment. This process allows financial aid officers to review your situation and potentially adjust your aid based on your current circumstances.
It never hurts to ask — and many students end up receiving additional support this way.
The FAFSA can feel intimidating, but it’s one of the most powerful tools for making college affordable. Whether you qualify for federal grants, school-based aid, or low-interest loans, it all starts with submitting your FAFSA early — and accurately.
⭐ Weekly scholarship updates
⭐ 1:1 chats with a college funding pro
⭐ Step-by-step FAFSA resources and videos
⭐ Ebooks and guides to help you pay less for college
Don’t let confusion or deadlines hold you back — the sooner you apply, the more options you’ll have.
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