On September 24, 2025, the U.S. Department of Education announced the early release of the 2026–2027 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Originally expected to open on October 1, this year’s earlier than ever before release, is the result of a 97 percent satisfaction rate reported during this month’s beta testing period. Students and families can now complete the form HERE.

The 2026–2027 FAFSA includes several improvements designed to make the process faster and easier. These improvements include quicker account confirmation and a contributor-invite process, which allows students to invite a parent or other contributor to complete their portion of the form using a simple code.

For additional questions, email WAICU Executive Vice President for External Relations Rebecca Larson.