FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is set to open on October 1, 2026, with limited early access testing available for interested students and families. Schools can begin preparing now to ensure staff are informed and students and families have the support they need to complete the FAFSA.
Prepare staff and FAFSA resources before the FAFSA opens.
Complete internal training on the latest FAFSA updates, key dates, and frequently asked questions. This helps to ensure that students and families receive consistent support and messaging.
Consider training a broader group of student-facing staff on basic FAFSA information so they can provide initial support, directing complex questions or unique circumstances to veteran counselors.
Review FAFSA information, resources, presentations, and website content to ensure they match the newest form and requirements.
Help students and families create StudentAid.gov accounts, and remind students to utilize an email address that can be accessed after graduation as the FAFSA must be completed each year.
Build awareness now, and communicate consistently throughout the FAFSA cycle.
Create a communication plan that includes save-the-date information about FAFSA events, the October 1st open date, completion reminders, and personalized outreach for students and families who have not completed the FAFSA.
Use multiple channels to reach students and families. Share information via emails, texts, social media, newsletters, and events.
Directly share the website where students and families can complete the FAFSA, and remind them that it does not cost any money to complete the FAFSA.
Create targeted messaging to families of students living with low income that includes specific information about Pell grants and other types of aid that can create affordable pathways.
Consider sharing additional information about the financial aid process and application timelines for first-generation students.
Include messaging about the benefits of early completion. Students who complete their FAFSA early maximize their aid potential as funds are awarded until they run out. Having FAFSA information early also allows students to more accurately compare college costs between institutions.
Remind students and families that everyone should complete the FAFSA. In addition to determining eligibility for federal student aid, the FAFSA is often utilized to determine eligibility for state and institutional financial aid. Some colleges even require FAFSA completion as a criteria for merit-based scholarships and awards.
Consider offering incentives for FAFSA completion. Small rewards, such as entry into a raffle for school swag or event tickets, can motivate students to complete their form by a certain date.
Track completion over time to learn where students are getting stuck and which groups of students and families may need additional support. Use the data to adjust messaging and support.
Support students and families with easy-to-access resources and learning opportunities.
Schedule workshops, drop-in appointments, and virtual training opportunities to support students and families in completing the FAFSA.
Provide access to computers and knowledgeable staff, while giving students and families space and time to navigate the form.
Include counselors, technology staff, and multilingual support to ensure all students and families can access the information and assistance they need.
Remind students to bring a government-issued photo ID and share a list of information and forms students and families will need to complete the FAFSA.
Because FAFSA results will now be returned immediately upon submission, build in support to help students and families understand their financial aid eligibility, identify next steps, and determine how to address potential gaps in aid.
Expand outreach beyond students considering a traditional four-year degree. Make sure students considering eligible short-term training programs know that they might be eligible for financial aid.
Why It Matters
FAFSA completion is an essential part of college and career readiness. For many students, FAFSA is a critical step in continuing their learning to pursue their goals. The FAFSA can unlock access to grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities, federal student aid, and institutional aid—expanding the options available for students’ next steps.
Counselors play a vital role in helping students and families understand the importance of the FAFSA, navigate the process, and complete all steps. Their support, creativity, and persistence can make a meaningful difference in whether students can access the financial resources they need to attend college, pursue a credential, or reach their postsecondary goals.
For more resources to support FAFSA completion in your school or district, download our FAFSA Toolkit: Supporting Students and Families.
Download The FAFSA Toolkit: Supporting Students and Families
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