Get Ahead of The Class: Tips for Preparing for The 2025–2026 FAFSA

Tips for Preparing for the 2025 – 2026 FAFSA

BIG Ideas:

  • The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2025-2026 school year will be available on or before December 1, 2024.
  • The FAFSA allows you to apply for financial aid to pay for college or career school.
  • Submitting the FAFSA early can help increase your chances of getting more financial aid to make college more affordable. 

The end of the year is fast approaching and that means something big is coming. It doesn’t involve mistletoe, feasts, or presents. But if you’re a parent or student preparing for college, it could be a gift that can help make college more affordable.

It’s the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2025-2026 school year, which is expected to be available on or before December 1, 2024.

Completing the FAFSA is critical to helping get financial aid that can bring down the cost of college. And getting a jump on it will not only make the process easier but also increase your chances of getting the most aid possible. YES!

Here are some pointers to help you get off to a great FAFSA start:

  • Set application reminders. Again, the application period for the 2025-2026 FAFSA will open on or before December 1, so be sure to set reminders on your calendar to ensure you’re ready.

  • Stay informed. For important information, resources, and announcements about the 2025-2026 FAFSA, follow Federal Student Aid on social media and visit studentaid.gov.

  • Verify your email address. If you applied using the 2024-2025 form, visit fafsa.gov to log in to your account to ensure your email address is correct so that you can receive email updates. To log in, you’ll need your username and password (known as your FSA ID).

  • Know your dependency status. This will determine the financial information you must provide when completing the FAFSA.
    • If you’re an independent student. You only need to provide your information and your spouse’s (if applicable).
    • If you’re a dependent student. You must report financial information for you and your parents. You can use the Who’s My FAFSA Parent? Wizard to identify which parent(s) will be a required contributor to your application.

Not sure of your status? Check out these questions on the studentaid.gov website that can help you.

  • Create or Update Your FSA ID. To begin the FAFSA, you’ll need to create a username and password, which is your FSA ID. If you already have an FSA ID, make sure you know it and your details are up to date. If you’re a dependent student, you’ll also need your parents to have their FSA ID handy. Having this information ready will make it easier for you once the FAFSA is available.
  • Gather up your docs and other important info. When the FAFSA becomes available you may need the following documents, depending on your dependency status and situation:
    • Your Social Security Number (SSN)
    • Your parent’s SSNs if they have SSNs and you’re a dependent student
    •  2023 tax information
    • Records of child support received
    • Current balances of cash, savings, and checking accounts
    • Net worth of investments and businesses and farms statements
    • Bank statements
  • Know state and school deadlines. Each state and school may have its own deadlines for financial aid, which can be earlier than the federal deadline. Research the specific deadlines for your state and the colleges you/your student may be interested in.

Ready, Set, Start Your FAFSA Engine

Preparing for the 2025-2026 FAFSA early can make a big difference in your financial aid outcome. By organizing your documents, staying informed about changes, and understanding deadlines, you’ll get off to a great start. And don’t forget, the earlier you apply, the better your chances of getting the financial aid you need.

Brazos is Here to Help You Along Your College Journey

For more than 40 years, Brazos Higher Education has been helping make education more affordable for students. As a Texas non-profit, we can offer you great rates on student loans to make your college dreams possible. Contact us today!