NEWARK, DE — The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now open early for the 2026–27 academic year, giving students and families a crucial opportunity to secure access to billions of dollars in grants, scholarships, and federal financial aid. Experts urge families to file as soon as possible, noting that many aid programs operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
This year’s FAFSA brings several key improvements, including a simplified application process and enhanced digital support. The updated platform features an AI-powered virtual assistant named Aidan, available 24/7 for real-time help, as well as built-in identity verification and a new contributor invitation system that allows students to easily add a parent or spouse by email.
Despite these enhancements, many families still skip filing. Nearly 30 percent of households did not complete the FAFSA last year, often due to misconceptions about eligibility, missing documents, or confusion about deadlines. According to federal data, millions of dollars in scholarships and more than $4.4 billion in Pell Grants went unclaimed in 2024.
“The importance of completing the FAFSA truly can’t be overstated,” said Rick Castellano, vice president at Sallie Mae. “The government shutdown does not affect the FAFSA, so students should stay the course and complete the form as early as possible. Filing early not only maximizes eligibility for scholarships, grants, and other aid that can reduce college costs, but also provides families a clearer financial picture to make more informed decisions about planning and paying for higher education.”
To help students and parents navigate the process, Sallie Mae offers several recommendations:
- Prepare early. Gather all required financial and identification documents before starting the form.
- Create an FSA ID. Both students and parents must have an FSA ID to log in, complete, and sign the application.
- Know your deadlines. Check priority dates for each state and college, as many are earlier than the federal deadline.
- File even if unsure about eligibility. Most families qualify for some form of aid, and applying early improves the likelihood of receiving limited funds.
- Reapply annually. The FAFSA must be completed every year to maintain eligibility for most aid programs.
Families can also access free resources, including Sallie Mae’s FAFSA Guide and webinars, which provide step-by-step guidance. Additional tools, such as Scholly Scholarships by Sallie, help students locate funding opportunities aligned with their academic interests and career goals.
More information is available at Sallie.com.
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