The 2027-28 FAFSA is free and covers school from July 1, 2027 to June 30, 2028. The federal deadline is June 30, 2028, but many states and colleges set earlier dates, so file as soon as you can after October 1, 2026.
The short answer
- Form: 2027-28 FAFSA, available now. The 2026-27 form still covers July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027.
- Cost: “There is no fee to fill out a FAFSA form.”
- Tax year used: 2025 for 2027-28 (2024 for 2026-27).
- Federal deadline: 11:59 p.m. Central Time on June 30, 2028. Corrections are allowed until 11:59 p.m. CT on September 12, 2028.
- Check: your state and school deadlines, which are often earlier.
How do you fill out the FAFSA, step by step?
- Create a StudentAid.gov account. Each parent or spouse who must contribute needs their own. Use your name exactly as on your Social Security card, your date of birth, your email and your SSN if you have one.
- Select “Start New Form.”
- Choose 2027-28 or 2026-27.
- Log in.
- Select “Student” (a parent selects “Parent”).
- Answer the dependency and finance questions. Tax information imports from the IRS, and contributors must consent to the IRS transfer, or the student is not eligible for federal aid.
- Add schools: up to 20 online or 10 on the PDF.
- Sign and submit. The form is complete only when all contributors sign.
Processing is immediate or takes 1 to 3 days with an email. Each section typically takes about 12 minutes, so you can finish in one sitting.
Which FAFSA deadlines matter most?
The federal date is the last resort. Your state or school date is usually the one that decides your aid. Examples from StudentAid.gov:
| State | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Texas | Priority January 15, 2027 |
| California | March 2, 2027 |
| Florida | May 15, 2027 |
| New York and Louisiana | June 30, 2028 |
| Illinois, Georgia, Kentucky, Washington | Apply as soon as possible after October 1, 2026 |
Each school and state has its own deadline, so check yours.
Mistakes to avoid
- Typing a nickname instead of the name on your Social Security card.
- Forgetting that each contributing parent or spouse needs an account and must sign.
- Skipping the IRS transfer consent. Without it the student is not eligible for federal aid.
- Picking the wrong form year. 2027-28 uses 2025 tax information.
- Waiting for the federal deadline when your state’s date is months earlier.
What do you do after submitting?
Watch for the confirmation email and review your submission summary. For borrowing, read federal vs private student loans.
Questions and answers about the FAFSA
Does the FAFSA cost money?
No. StudentAid.gov says there is no fee.
Do my parents need an account?
Each parent who must contribute needs their own StudentAid.gov account and must sign the form.
How many schools can I list?
Up to 20 online or 10 on the PDF.
How long does processing take?
It is immediate or takes 1 to 3 days with an email.
Which tax year does the 2027-28 FAFSA use?
2025 tax information. It imports from the IRS once contributors consent.
Until when can I correct my FAFSA?
Until 11:59 p.m. CT on September 12, 2028.
Sources
This guide is general information, not financial advice.
Facts last checked on 20 October 2026.
