FAFSA timeline (2026-27)
When to file, the deadlines that matter, and when your SAI arrives.
The 2026-27 FAFSA covers aid from fall 2026 through summer 2027 and uses 2024 income (the prior-prior tax year), usually imported straight from the IRS. The federal deadline is typically June 30 after the award year, but state and college priority deadlines are much earlier - often late autumn to early spring - and many grants are first-come, first-served, so file as early as possible. After you submit you get a FAFSA Submission Summary showing your SAI, which schools use to build your aid offer.
Data as of June 2026.
Key milestones
| Milestone | What happens |
|---|---|
| Opens | The 2026-27 FAFSA opens for the award year covering fall 2026 through summer 2027. Aim to file early. |
| Federal deadline | The federal FAFSA deadline is typically June 30 after the award year ends (e.g. June 30, 2027 for 2026-27); corrections close in mid-September. |
| State & school deadlines | Many states and colleges have far earlier priority deadlines (often late autumn to early spring). These usually decide first-come grants - check each one. |
| After you submit | You receive a FAFSA Submission Summary with your SAI. Schools use it to build aid offers. |
| Disbursement | Aid is disbursed by your school each term once you are enrolled and verified. |
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education, studentaid.gov. Data as of June 2026.
Exact dates vary by state and college - always confirm with each school's financial aid office and your state grant agency. Verify the federal dates at studentaid.gov.
Before you file
- Create or recover your FSA ID (and a parent's, if you are dependent) ahead of time.
- Confirm your dependency status so you know whose information you need.
- Estimate your SAI in advance so the result is no surprise.
Frequently asked questions
When should I file the FAFSA?
As early as possible after it opens. Many state and institutional grants are first-come, first-served, so filing in the first weeks maximizes your aid - the federal deadline is much later than most priority deadlines.
What tax year does the 2026-27 FAFSA use?
The 2026-27 FAFSA uses 2024 income (the prior-prior year), generally imported directly from the IRS, so you do not estimate income yourself.
Do I refile every year?
Yes. The FAFSA covers one award year. File a renewal FAFSA each year you want federal aid; most of your information carries over.
Sources
U.S. Department of Education, studentaid.gov. Data as of June 2026 for 2026-27. Dates are general guidance and can change - verify the current deadlines with the official source and your school. General information, not financial-aid advice.
Last updated: 2026-06-22