FAFSA for 2025-26 school year opens with improvements and early application advice

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2025-26 school year is now open. This year's application has improvements, including fixes for previous technical issues that affected students' access to aid. Experts recommend applying early to secure financial assistance. The FAFSA became available in November, earlier than last year's rollout. Students are encouraged to submit their applications promptly, as some aid is given on a first-come, first-served basis. Deadlines vary by state and school. To apply, students need to create an FSA ID and gather necessary documents, such as tax returns and bank account information. The new FAFSA is shorter, with fewer questions, but accuracy is crucial to avoid delays in aid processing.