Topline:
The 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now live, meaning current and incoming college students can apply to get the money they need to pay for tuition, room and board, and other expenses.
The backstory: The U.S. Department of Education launched a revamped version of the FAFSA last year, promising to make it easier to apply. That effort was marred by technical glitches and processing delays. The new form was released months behind schedule, setting colleges scrambling to get financial aid packages out in time. Local school districts saw a major decline in completed applications. The form is typically made available in October, but it was delayed again this year to address lingering issues.
Why it matters: The U.S. Department of Education uses FAFSA data to provide federal financial aid. Colleges also use this information to calculate how much students will pay to go to their campus. Schools then make offers to prospective students, which can be composed of grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study.
What's next: The federal deadline to complete the application is June 30, 2026. However, to qualify for state-based programs, including the Cal Grant, California residents should submit their application by March 3, 2025. Students who plan to study at a community college have until Sept. 2, 2025.
Good to know: Undocumented students, DACA recipients, U Visa holders, and students with Temporary Protected Status can complete the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) to receive state-based financial aid.
Need help? The California Student Aid Commission will be hosting free webinars, staffed by financial aid experts.