Round-up: Education Dept. Launches 2025-26 FAFSA

The 2025-26 FAFSA form officially launched November 21, some 10 days before the Education Department’s December 1 goal, but 52 days after the traditional launch date of October 1. The form launched after extensive testing and apparently without the tumult of last fall.

At the same time, the Senate unanimously passed the FAFSA Deadline Act and sent the legislation to President Joe Biden who is expected to sign it.  The bill mandates the Education Department launch the federal student aid form by Oct. 1 each year; currently the deadline is Jan. 1. The House passed the bill last week.  Last cycle, a congressionally mandated overhaul of the form led to months of delays and setbacks, upending the financial aid cycle and impeding families from applying for needed aid. This year the Education Department set the launch date to Dec. 1 in order to test the form and attempt to prevent a similar debacle; it officially released the 2025–26 FAFSA Thursday morning, a week ahead of schedule.

Below is a selection of news stories on these recent developments:

Senate Passes FAFSA Deadline Act, 2025–26 Form Officially Launches
Inside Higher Ed (November 22, 2024)

The FAFSA Is Live, Tested, and ‘Already Working’
The Chronicle of Higher Education (November 22, 2024)

Education Department officially launches 2025-26 FAFSA
Higher Ed Dive (November 22, 2024)

This Year’s College Aid Form Is Better, but Still Glitchy
The Wall Street Journal (November 22, 2024)

Financial Aid Applications Are Open: What You Need To Know After Last Year's Mess
ABC News (November 22, 2024)

Congress Passes Bill Aimed at Improving College Financial Aid Process
Atlanta Journal Constitution (November 22, 2024)