When does the FAFSA open and what are the key deadlines?

The FAFSA opens for the upcoming academic year and uses income from the prior-prior tax year – so for the 2025–26 year it draws on 2023 returns, which the IRS data tool transfers automatically. File as early as you can, because some aid is awarded first-come, first-served until funds run out. There are three deadline layers to track: the federal deadline (the latest), your state's deadline (often much earlier, sometimes within weeks of opening), and each college's own priority deadline for its institutional aid. Missing a college's priority date can cost you grants even if you beat the federal cutoff. File the FAFSA every year your student is enrolled, not just freshman year. Mark each school's and your state's date now, and submit promptly – waiting rarely helps and often costs money.