Following successful beta testing, the Department of Education has officially released the 2025–26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
The online FAFSA form is available to all students and families at fafsa.gov, and the department is processing submissions and sending them to schools. The paper form is also now available for students to submit.
The development of the new form was a rigorous process. Beginning back in October, the department conducted four rounds of beta testing that allowed more than 167,000 students to submit the online 2025–26 application. The department has processed those forms and sent records to more than 5,200 schools across the country.
Additionally, the department also tested the new applications with a variety of student groups, including those who faced particular challenges last year. It also engaged with different colleges and universities, software vendors, state agencies, and Federal partners to test FAFSA data and systems.
As part of developing the new form, the department said it took steps to modernize internal systems and processes, address issues in the FAFSA system, and put in place features that further enhance the user experience and improve the functionality of the form. Additionally, it has released and updated resources and materials to help students and families better navigate the FAFSA form and process.
For those still needing extra help navigating the form and application process, the Department of Education has ramped up staffing at the Student Aid Information Center, a customer service contact center, by adding more than 700 agents since January and an additional 225 agents over the next few weeks for ongoing surge support. Additionally, the department added extended FAFSA-only weeknight and Saturday contact center hours.
In a press release, the department highlighted a suite of newly released resources that aim to help students and families complete their FAFSA form:
- “Who’s the Parent on the FAFSA Form?” Wizard – A new, stand-alone tool to help students and families determine who will need to provide contributor information on the 2025–26 FAFSA form prior to starting the application.
- “Creating Your StudentAid.gov Account” Page – A new resource that explains what families and partners need to know about creating a StudentAid.gov account.
- Pro Tips for Completing the FAFSA Form – Updated tips for preparing to complete and submit the FAFSA form. This resource will also be linked from the StudentAid.gov Dashboard to promote easier access for students and their required contributor(s).
- Federal Student Aid Estimator – The tool provides an estimate of the 2025–26 Student Aid Index and Federal Pell Grant eligibility calculation.
- Federal Student Aid YouTube Channel: FAFSA Videos – Updated videos to help students and families understand the importance of the FAFSA form, who is a FAFSA contributor, and what happens after submitting the form.
