FAFSA 2027-28 · Now open
FAFSA deadlines by state
The deadline that actually matters is your state's. State grant money is handed out months before the federal deadline most families know. The 2027-28 FAFSA opened October 1, 2026.
or browse deadlines by state · We verify each state against official sources — how we check
State — aim here
As early as Jan 15
College — check yours
Varies by school
Federal — last resort
Jun 30, 2028
What to do, step by step
Four steps, in order. Steps 1–2 are the same for everyone; steps 3–4 depend on your state and your schools.
- 1
Create StudentAid.gov accounts — student and parent
The student and one parent (the "contributor") each need their own account to sign the FAFSA. Identity verification can take a few days, so do this first — not during deadline week.
Create your accounts at StudentAid.gov → - 2
File the FAFSA (one form covers federal and state aid)
The 2027-28 FAFSA opened Oct 1, 2026 and is free. Filing early is safe: you can correct answers later, and colleges expect estimates at this point in the year.
Start the FAFSA at StudentAid.gov → - 3
Finish before your state's priority deadline
This is the date state grant money is decided by — it can be months before the federal date. Your state page has its exact date and a step-by-step for that state, including any extra forms it requires.
How state, college, and federal deadlines fit together → - 4
Check each college's own deadline — then set reminders
Every college sets a priority date for its own money, sometimes earlier than the state's. Find it on each school's financial aid page, and if it beats your state date, that becomes your deadline. Then make sure you don't lose track of it:
Add the deadline to your calendar →Read the 5-minute deadlines guide →
Three deadlines — and June 30 is not the one to aim for
You file the FAFSA once. Three different dates decide what that one form can still get you — and the earliest date that applies to you is your real deadline:
State — aim for this one
As early as Jan 15
Priority dates for state grants. Miss yours and you can lose thousands in state aid even though your FAFSA is "on time." This is the date this site tracks.
College — check yours
Varies by school
Each college sets its own priority date for its own money — sometimes even earlier than the state's. If yours is earlier, that becomes your deadline instead.
Federal — last resort
Jun 30, 2028
The final day the federal government accepts the 2027-28 FAFSA. By then, state and college money is normally long gone — a backstop, not a plan.
Don't trust yourself to remember.
Add your state's priority deadline to your calendar — the download includes 30, 14, and 7-day alarms, early enough to gather tax documents, fix a rejected form, or chase a missing GPA verification. No account required.
Get calendar reminders →