FSA Officially Launches 2027-28 FAFSA
By Maria Carrasco, NASFAA Staff Reporter
Federal Student Aid (FSA) on Wednesday officially launched the 2027-28 FAFSA, just a week before the October 1 deadline.
FSA began beta testing the FAFSA in August, with the first phase of testing focused on a limited group of school districts, community-based organizations, and institutions of higher education through in-person and virtual events. During the second phase in late August, any student or contributor was able to request to complete the FAFSA. Those who submitted their FAFSA during the beta testing period don’t need to resubmit their FAFSA.
According to FSA, for a second year in a row, this is the earliest launch of the FAFSA in the program’s history. Education Secretary Linda McMahon applauded Wednesday’s early launch.
“We are incredibly proud to launch the earliest FAFSA form in our nation’s history, which ensures American students and families have access to the critical resources they need on their postsecondary education journey,” McMahon said in a statement. “The Trump Administration redesigned and streamlined the form with American students and families in mind, while also helping applicants see potential earnings outcomes for their schools of choice and utilizing a state-of-the-art fraud detection system to safeguard taxpayer dollars.”
Publication Date: 9/24/2026
Alice B | 9/24/2026 11:30:19 AM
The Dept. of ED hasn't even released the 27-28 EDExpress software system for us to install and pull in the new ISIRs! Cart before the horse.....sooo helpful.
Kelli G | 9/24/2026 10:44:57 AM
I'm sure some schools have also not completed their FWS reporting, so this early launch with no heads-up for the schools is super helpful to both the schools and the students. Way to go Dept of Ed! Ugh.
Leah M | 9/24/2026 10:19:44 AM
Except that financial aid offices are struggling now with the effects of OBBBA financial aid changes for 26-27, so do not have the capacity to do anything with 27-28 FAFSAs!
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