WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon has certified to Congress that the 2026–2027 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form will be available on schedule this fall, meeting the October 1 deadline mandated by federal law. The announcement marks what the Department describes as a return to timely delivery following delays and complications in recent years.
In her letter to congressional leadership, McMahon confirmed that the Department of Education is on track to launch the updated FAFSA form on time. She credited the administration’s emphasis on technical competence and early preparation, noting that testing began earlier this year than at any point in the program’s history.
“Under President Trump’s leadership, our team has prioritized technical competence and expertise, which has led to the earliest testing launch of the FAFSA form in history,” McMahon stated. “Congress gave us a mandate to improve the form and deliver it on time for students, families, and institutions of higher education — and I am proud to certify that the form will launch on time this fall.”
Early Beta Testing and System Improvements
Federal Student Aid (FSA) began nationwide beta testing of the 2026–2027 FAFSA form in early August, giving a limited group of students and families early access to the redesigned system. Beta testing, an established industry practice, is intended to uncover technical issues, improve usability, and ensure system reliability before full deployment.
Earlier this month, McMahon attended a beta testing event in Florida alongside students, families, and education leaders. The Department described the event as the earliest successful FAFSA test launch in program history. Following this milestone, a second beta phase — referred to as “Beta 2” — was opened, allowing any current or prospective student to request early access to the application.
Legislative Background and Deadlines
The on-time certification fulfills federal requirements under Section 484(d)(4)(B) of the Higher Education Act, as amended by the FAFSA Deadline Act. The mandate stems from the FAFSA Simplification Act and the FUTURE Act, both signed into law in 2019, which were designed to streamline the financial aid application process and make it more accessible to students and families.
By certifying the launch to Congress ahead of the September 1 deadline, the Department of Education is signaling that it expects a smooth rollout for the upcoming application cycle, providing students and families with more predictability and confidence as they plan for the 2026–2027 academic year.
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