Reports · scorecard
FAFSA deadline communication scorecard — all 51 (2027-28)
· Editorial by Sunday Robbo
Every state and D.C. scored on how clearly their FAFSA deadline story reads — fixed dates, ASAP, program-only paths, conflicts, and dual sources. Reproducible from our verified data (51 jurisdictions).
What you are looking at
For 2027-28 we scored all 51 live jurisdictions on deadline communication clarity: whether a statewide filing story is fixed and dual-sourced, program-only, ASAP, school-by-school, unavailable, or actively conflicting. The number is built only from fields in our verified state data — see the methodology.
Right now 23 states share a perfect 100 (clear statewide priority date, dual sources, deadline field filled correctly). 24 jurisdictions grade A overall. 3 land in D or F — conflict, unavailable statewide hard dates, or both. Ties break alphabetically by state name.
Each row includes why the score looks that way, official source links, and a link to the live state page. Dates on those pages are the source of truth; this table never invents one.
Statewide priority date
Why. Clear statewide priority date: Alaska Performance Scholarship FAFSA priority deadline.
Dates. Jun 30, 2027 — Alaska Performance Scholarship FAFSA priority deadline
Sources. ACPE — Alaska Performance Scholarship (June 30 FAFSA priority) · Federal Student Aid — FAFSA deadlines (state list)
100/100 (A) — clarity 45/45, deadline field 15/15, sources 25/25, secondary 15/15.
Statewide priority date
Why. Clear statewide priority date: Arkansas Governor’s Distinguished Scholars FAFSA / SAMS deadline.
Dates. Mar 1, 2027 — Arkansas Governor’s Distinguished Scholars FAFSA / SAMS deadline · Jul 1, 2027 — Arkansas Academic Challenge / non-distinguished Governor’s Scholars
Sources. ADHE SAMS — Governor’s Distinguished Scholars (annual March 1) · Federal Student Aid — FAFSA deadlines (state list)
100/100 (A) — clarity 45/45, deadline field 15/15, sources 25/25, secondary 15/15.
Statewide priority date
Why. Clear statewide priority date: Connecticut state priority deadline.
Dates. Feb 15, 2027 — Connecticut state priority deadline
Sources. Connecticut Office of Higher Education — student aid programs (Roberta B. Willis / February 15) · Federal Student Aid — FAFSA deadlines (state list)
100/100 (A) — clarity 45/45, deadline field 15/15, sources 25/25, secondary 15/15.
Statewide priority date
Why. Clear statewide priority date: Florida state FAFSA deadline (date processed).
Dates. May 15, 2027 — Florida state FAFSA deadline (date processed)
Sources. Florida OSFA — Rosewood Family Scholarship fact sheet (FAFSA by May 15, 2027) · Federal Student Aid — FAFSA deadlines (state list)
100/100 (A) — clarity 45/45, deadline field 15/15, sources 25/25, secondary 15/15.
Statewide priority date
Why. Clear statewide priority date: Indiana state priority deadline.
Dates. Apr 15, 2027 — Indiana state priority deadline
Sources. Learn More Indiana — FAFSA (April 15, 2027 state deadline) · Indiana Commission for Higher Education — Frank O’Bannon Grant · Federal Student Aid — FAFSA deadlines (state list)
100/100 (A) — clarity 45/45, deadline field 15/15, sources 25/25, secondary 15/15.
Statewide priority date
Why. Clear statewide priority date: Iowa state FAFSA deadline.
Dates. Jul 1, 2027 — Iowa state FAFSA deadline
Sources. Iowa Department of Education — Iowa Tuition Grant (July 1, 2027) · Federal Student Aid — FAFSA deadlines (state list)
100/100 (A) — clarity 45/45, deadline field 15/15, sources 25/25, secondary 15/15.
Statewide priority date
Why. Clear statewide priority date: Kansas state priority deadline.
Dates. Apr 1, 2027 — Kansas state priority deadline
Sources. Kansas Board of Regents — Military Service Scholarship instructions (FAFSA priority April 1) · Kansas Board of Regents — Scholarships and Grants · Federal Student Aid — FAFSA deadlines (state list)
100/100 (A) — clarity 45/45, deadline field 15/15, sources 25/25, secondary 15/15.
Statewide priority date
Why. Clear statewide priority date: Louisiana recommended FAFSA priority date.
Dates. Feb 1, 2027 — Louisiana recommended FAFSA priority date
Sources. LOSFA — TOPS Application Process (February 1 priority FAFSA) · Federal Student Aid — FAFSA deadlines (state list)
100/100 (A) — clarity 45/45, deadline field 15/15, sources 25/25, secondary 15/15.
Statewide priority date
Why. Clear statewide priority date: Maine State Grant deadline.
Dates. May 1, 2027 — Maine State Grant deadline
Sources. Finance Authority of Maine — Maine State Grant Program · Finance Authority of Maine — Your Guide to Affording (May 1 State Grant) · Federal Student Aid — FAFSA deadlines (state list)
100/100 (A) — clarity 45/45, deadline field 15/15, sources 25/25, secondary 15/15.
Statewide priority date
Why. Clear statewide priority date: Maryland Rawlings Educational Excellence Awards deadline.
Dates. Mar 1, 2027 — Maryland Rawlings Educational Excellence Awards deadline
Sources. Maryland Higher Education Commission — Educational Assistance (EA) Grant · Maryland Higher Education Commission — Important scholarship and grant deadlines · Federal Student Aid — FAFSA deadlines (state list)
100/100 (A) — clarity 45/45, deadline field 15/15, sources 25/25, secondary 15/15.
Statewide priority date
Why. Clear statewide priority date: Massachusetts state priority deadline.
Dates. May 1, 2027 — Massachusetts state priority deadline
Sources. Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance — FAQ (May 1 priority) · Federal Student Aid — FAFSA deadlines (state list)
100/100 (A) — clarity 45/45, deadline field 15/15, sources 25/25, secondary 15/15.
Statewide priority date
Why. Clear statewide priority date: Mississippi HELP Grant FAFSA / supporting-documents deadline.
Dates. Apr 30, 2027 — Mississippi HELP Grant FAFSA / supporting-documents deadline · Oct 15, 2027 — MTAG / MESG supporting-documents deadline
Sources. Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid — HELP (FAFSA supporting docs April 30) · Federal Student Aid — FAFSA deadlines (state list)
100/100 (A) — clarity 45/45, deadline field 15/15, sources 25/25, secondary 15/15.
Statewide priority date
Why. Clear statewide priority date: Missouri Access Missouri priority deadline.
Dates. Feb 1, 2027 — Missouri Access Missouri priority deadline · Apr 1, 2027 — Access Missouri final deadline
Sources. Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development — Access Missouri (2027–28 deadlines) · Federal Student Aid — FAFSA deadlines (state list)
100/100 (A) — clarity 45/45, deadline field 15/15, sources 25/25, secondary 15/15.
Statewide priority date
Why. Clear statewide priority date: Nevada Promise Scholarship FAFSA deadline.
Dates. Apr 1, 2027 — Nevada Promise Scholarship FAFSA deadline
Sources. College of Southern Nevada — Nevada Promise (FAFSA April 1, 2027) · Federal Student Aid — FAFSA deadlines (state list)
100/100 (A) — clarity 45/45, deadline field 15/15, sources 25/25, secondary 15/15.
Statewide priority date
Why. Clear statewide priority date: New Jersey TAG renewal FAFSA deadline.
Dates. Apr 15, 2027 — New Jersey TAG renewal FAFSA deadline · Sep 15, 2027 — TAG — new / non-renewal fall and spring applicants
Sources. HESAA — State and Federal Aid Booklet (TAG April 15 / September 15, 2027) · Federal Student Aid — FAFSA deadlines (state list)
100/100 (A) — clarity 45/45, deadline field 15/15, sources 25/25, secondary 15/15.
Statewide priority date
Why. Clear statewide priority date: New York FAFSA and TAP deadline.
Dates. Jun 30, 2028 — New York FAFSA and TAP deadline
Sources. HESC — Governor announcement (FAFSA/TAP deadline June 30, 2028) · Federal Student Aid — FAFSA deadlines (state list)
100/100 (A) — clarity 45/45, deadline field 15/15, sources 25/25, secondary 15/15.
Statewide priority date
Why. Clear statewide priority date: Next NC Scholarship priority deadline (UNC / community colleges).
Dates. Jun 1, 2027 — Next NC Scholarship priority deadline (UNC / community colleges)
Sources. CFNC — Next NC Scholarship (June 1 priority for UNC / community colleges) · Federal Student Aid — FAFSA deadlines (state list)
100/100 (A) — clarity 45/45, deadline field 15/15, sources 25/25, secondary 15/15.
Statewide priority date
Why. Clear statewide priority date: Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG) FAFSA deadline.
Dates. Oct 1, 2027 — Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG) FAFSA deadline
Sources. Ohio Department of Higher Education — OCOG guidance memo FA 27-001 (October 1 state deadline) · Federal Student Aid — FAFSA deadlines (state list)
100/100 (A) — clarity 45/45, deadline field 15/15, sources 25/25, secondary 15/15.
Statewide priority date
Why. Clear statewide priority date: Pennsylvania State Grant deadline (most applicants).
Dates. May 1, 2027 — Pennsylvania State Grant deadline (most applicants) · Aug 1, 2027 — PA State Grant — first-time community college / open-admission / trade paths
Sources. PHEAA — PA State Grant Apply or Renew (May 1 / August 1) · Federal Student Aid — FAFSA deadlines (state list)
100/100 (A) — clarity 45/45, deadline field 15/15, sources 25/25, secondary 15/15.
Statewide priority date
Why. Clear statewide priority date: South Carolina Tuition Grants FAFSA deadline (independent colleges).
Dates. Aug 1, 2027 — South Carolina Tuition Grants FAFSA deadline (independent colleges)
Sources. South Carolina Tuition Grants Commission — FAQ (August 1, 2027) · Federal Student Aid — FAFSA deadlines (state list)
100/100 (A) — clarity 45/45, deadline field 15/15, sources 25/25, secondary 15/15.
Statewide priority date
Why. Clear statewide priority date: Tennessee Promise / state grant FAFSA deadline.
Dates. Apr 1, 2027 — Tennessee Promise / state grant FAFSA deadline · Sep 1, 2027 — Tennessee lottery / HOPE — fall term FAFSA
Sources. tnAchieves — FAFSA deadline April 1, 2027 (Tennessee Promise) · Federal Student Aid — FAFSA deadlines (state list)
100/100 (A) — clarity 45/45, deadline field 15/15, sources 25/25, secondary 15/15.
Statewide priority date
Why. Clear statewide priority date: Texas state priority deadline.
Dates. Jan 15, 2027 — Texas state priority deadline
Sources. Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board — Fiscal Year 2027 State Financial Aid Guidelines · Federal Student Aid — FAFSA deadlines (state list)
100/100 (A) — clarity 45/45, deadline field 15/15, sources 25/25, secondary 15/15.
Statewide priority date
Why. Clear statewide priority date: West Virginia PROMISE Scholarship deadline.
Dates. Mar 1, 2027 — West Virginia PROMISE Scholarship deadline · Apr 15, 2027 — WV Higher Education Grant / Invests priority
Sources. College Foundation of West Virginia — PROMISE Scholarship apply now · Federal Student Aid — FAFSA deadlines (state list)
100/100 (A) — clarity 45/45, deadline field 15/15, sources 25/25, secondary 15/15.
Hard date (Cal Grant path)
Why. Hard Cal Grant-path date: California priority deadline (Cal Grant).
Dates. Mar 2, 2027 — California priority deadline (Cal Grant) · Sep 2, 2027 — California Community College Cal Grant deadline
Sources. California Student Aid Commission — Important dates and deadlines · California Student Aid Commission — Cal Grant GPA Verification Form 2027-28 · Federal Student Aid — FAFSA deadlines (state list)
97/100 (A) — clarity 42/45, deadline field 15/15, sources 25/25, secondary 15/15.
ASAP / funds while they last
Why. Georgia: ASAP after Oct. 1 — check your school’s FAO / GAfutures (no single hard statewide date)
Dates. Georgia: ASAP after Oct. 1 — check your school’s FAO / GAfutures (no single hard statewide date)
Sources. Georgia Student Finance Commission — GAfutures · Federal Student Aid — FAFSA deadlines (state list)
83/100 (B) — clarity 28/45, deadline field 15/15, sources 25/25, secondary 15/15.
ASAP / funds while they last
Why. Illinois MAP: file ASAP after Oct. 1 — awards while funds last (ISAC + FSA)
Dates. Illinois MAP: file ASAP after Oct. 1 — awards while funds last (ISAC + FSA) · Feb 1, 2027 — Returning MAP recipients — ISAC priority access date (not a hard cutoff for all)
Sources. ISAC — Monetary Award Program (MAP) · Federal Student Aid — FAFSA deadlines (state list)
83/100 (B) — clarity 28/45, deadline field 15/15, sources 25/25, secondary 15/15.
ASAP / funds while they last
Why. Kentucky: ASAP after Oct. 1 — awards while funds exist
Dates. Kentucky: ASAP after Oct. 1 — awards while funds exist
Sources. Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA) · Federal Student Aid — FAFSA deadlines (state list)
83/100 (B) — clarity 28/45, deadline field 15/15, sources 25/25, secondary 15/15.
ASAP / funds while they last
Why. Montana: ASAP after Oct. 1 for priority — check FAO; more forms may be required
Dates. Montana: ASAP after Oct. 1 for priority — check FAO; more forms may be required
Sources. Montana University System — Pay for College · Federal Student Aid — FAFSA deadlines (state list)
83/100 (B) — clarity 28/45, deadline field 15/15, sources 25/25, secondary 15/15.
ASAP / funds while they last
Why. North Dakota: ASAP after Oct. 1 — awards while funds exist
Dates. North Dakota: ASAP after Oct. 1 — awards while funds exist
Sources. North Dakota University System — Paying for College · Federal Student Aid — FAFSA deadlines (state list)
83/100 (B) — clarity 28/45, deadline field 15/15, sources 25/25, secondary 15/15.
ASAP / funds while they last
Why. Opportunity Grant ASAP / ORSAA — OSAC private scholarships March 1 (program)
Dates. Opportunity Grant ASAP / ORSAA — OSAC private scholarships March 1 (program) · Mar 1, 2027 — OSAC Private Scholarships FAFSA date (program-scoped)
Sources. Oregon OSAC — Student Aid · Federal Student Aid — FAFSA deadlines (state list)
83/100 (B) — clarity 28/45, deadline field 15/15, sources 25/25, secondary 15/15.
ASAP / funds while they last
Why. Vermont: ASAP after Oct. 1 — awards while funds exist; more forms may be required
Dates. Vermont: ASAP after Oct. 1 — awards while funds exist; more forms may be required
Sources. Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC) · Federal Student Aid — FAFSA deadlines (state list)
83/100 (B) — clarity 28/45, deadline field 15/15, sources 25/25, secondary 15/15.
ASAP / funds while they last
Why. Virginia: ASAP after Oct. 1 — deadlines vary by school (check FAO / VASA if needed)
Dates. Virginia: ASAP after Oct. 1 — deadlines vary by school (check FAO / VASA if needed)
Sources. Level Up Virginia — VASA application · Federal Student Aid — FAFSA deadlines (state list)
83/100 (B) — clarity 28/45, deadline field 15/15, sources 25/25, secondary 15/15.
ASAP / funds while they last
Why. Washington: ASAP after Oct. 1 — check FAO; WASFA if you cannot use FAFSA
Dates. Washington: ASAP after Oct. 1 — check FAO; WASFA if you cannot use FAFSA
Sources. Washington Student Achievement Council — WASFA · Federal Student Aid — FAFSA deadlines (state list)
83/100 (B) — clarity 28/45, deadline field 15/15, sources 25/25, secondary 15/15.
Program-scoped date only
Why. Arizona Promise Program FAFSA priority (program-scoped). Scoped to: Arizona Promise Program.
Dates. Apr 1, 2027 — Arizona Promise Program FAFSA priority (program-scoped)
Sources. Arizona Board of Regents — Arizona Promise Program · Federal Student Aid — FAFSA deadlines (state list)
77/100 (C) — clarity 22/45, deadline field 15/15, sources 25/25, secondary 15/15.
Program-scoped date only
Why. Idaho Opportunity Scholarship FAFSA / Scholarship Idaho deadline (program-scoped). Scoped to: Idaho Opportunity Scholarship.
Dates. Mar 1, 2027 — Idaho Opportunity Scholarship FAFSA / Scholarship Idaho deadline (program-scoped)
Sources. Next Steps Idaho — Idaho Opportunity Scholarship (March 1, 2027) · Federal Student Aid — FAFSA deadlines (state list)
77/100 (C) — clarity 22/45, deadline field 15/15, sources 25/25, secondary 15/15.
Program-scoped date only
Why. North Star Promise FAFSA priority (program-scoped) — State Grant is day 30 of term. Scoped to: North Star Promise; Minnesota State Grant.
Dates. Jun 1, 2027 — North Star Promise FAFSA priority (program-scoped) — State Grant is day 30 of term
Sources. Minnesota Office of Higher Education · Federal Student Aid — FAFSA deadlines (state list)
77/100 (C) — clarity 22/45, deadline field 15/15, sources 25/25, secondary 15/15.
Date varies — check school
Why. No single statewide deadline — FSA and Alabama say check your school's FAO
Dates. No single statewide deadline — FSA and Alabama say check your school's FAO
Sources. Alabama Commission on Higher Education · Federal Student Aid — FAFSA deadlines (state list)
73/100 (C) — clarity 18/45, deadline field 15/15, sources 25/25, secondary 15/15.
Date varies — check school
Why. No single statewide deadline — FSA and Colorado say check your school's FAO
Dates. No single statewide deadline — FSA and Colorado say check your school's FAO
Sources. Colorado Department of Higher Education — Financial Aid · Federal Student Aid — FAFSA deadlines (state list)
73/100 (C) — clarity 18/45, deadline field 15/15, sources 25/25, secondary 15/15.
Date varies — check school
Why. No single statewide deadline — FSA and Hawaii say check your school's FAO
Dates. No single statewide deadline — FSA and Hawaii say check your school's FAO
Sources. University of Hawaiʻi — Financial Aid (system entry) · Federal Student Aid — FAFSA deadlines (state list)
73/100 (C) — clarity 18/45, deadline field 15/15, sources 25/25, secondary 15/15.
Date varies — check school
Why. No single statewide deadline — FSA and Nebraska say check your school's FAO
Dates. No single statewide deadline — FSA and Nebraska say check your school's FAO
Sources. Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education · Federal Student Aid — FAFSA deadlines (state list)
73/100 (C) — clarity 18/45, deadline field 15/15, sources 25/25, secondary 15/15.
Date varies — check school
Why. No single statewide deadline — FSA and New Hampshire say check your school's FAO
Dates. No single statewide deadline — FSA and New Hampshire say check your school's FAO
Sources. New Hampshire Higher Education Assistance Foundation · Federal Student Aid — FAFSA deadlines (state list)
73/100 (C) — clarity 18/45, deadline field 15/15, sources 25/25, secondary 15/15.
Date varies — check school
Why. No single statewide deadline — FSA and New Mexico say check your school's FAO
Dates. No single statewide deadline — FSA and New Mexico say check your school's FAO
Sources. New Mexico Higher Education Department · Federal Student Aid — FAFSA deadlines (state list)
73/100 (C) — clarity 18/45, deadline field 15/15, sources 25/25, secondary 15/15.
Date varies — check school
Why. No single statewide deadline — FSA and Oklahoma say check your school's FAO
Dates. No single statewide deadline — FSA and Oklahoma say check your school's FAO
Sources. Oklahoma College Start / state aid resources · Federal Student Aid — FAFSA deadlines (state list)
73/100 (C) — clarity 18/45, deadline field 15/15, sources 25/25, secondary 15/15.
Date varies — check school
Why. No single statewide deadline — FSA and Rhode Island say check your school's FAO
Dates. No single statewide deadline — FSA and Rhode Island say check your school's FAO
Sources. Rhode Island Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner (RI OPC) · Federal Student Aid — FAFSA deadlines (state list)
73/100 (C) — clarity 18/45, deadline field 15/15, sources 25/25, secondary 15/15.
Date varies — check school
Why. No single statewide deadline — FSA and South Dakota say check your school's FAO
Dates. No single statewide deadline — FSA and South Dakota say check your school's FAO
Sources. South Dakota Board of Regents · Federal Student Aid — FAFSA deadlines (state list)
73/100 (C) — clarity 18/45, deadline field 15/15, sources 25/25, secondary 15/15.
Date varies — check school
Why. No single statewide deadline — FSA and Utah say check your school's FAO
Dates. No single statewide deadline — FSA and Utah say check your school's FAO
Sources. Utah System of Higher Education · Federal Student Aid — FAFSA deadlines (state list)
73/100 (C) — clarity 18/45, deadline field 15/15, sources 25/25, secondary 15/15.
Date varies — check school
Why. No single statewide deadline — FSA and Wisconsin say check your school's FAO
Dates. No single statewide deadline — FSA and Wisconsin say check your school's FAO
Sources. Wisconsin Higher Educational Aids Board (HEAB) · Federal Student Aid — FAFSA deadlines (state list)
73/100 (C) — clarity 18/45, deadline field 15/15, sources 25/25, secondary 15/15.
Date varies — check school
Why. No single statewide deadline — FSA and Wyoming say check your school's FAO
Dates. No single statewide deadline — FSA and Wyoming say check your school's FAO
Sources. Wyoming Community College Commission / student aid entry · Federal Student Aid — FAFSA deadlines (state list)
73/100 (C) — clarity 18/45, deadline field 15/15, sources 25/25, secondary 15/15.
No solid statewide hard date
Why. No solid dual-sourced statewide hard date we will publish: 2027–28 OneApp window not yet dual-sourced — FSA lists dates; OSSE still on 2026–27.
Dates. 2027–28 OneApp window not yet dual-sourced — FSA lists dates; OSSE still on 2026–27
Sources. OSSE — DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG) / OneApp cycle notes · Federal Student Aid — FAFSA deadlines (state list)
65/100 (D) — clarity 10/45, deadline field 15/15, sources 25/25, secondary 15/15.
No solid statewide hard date
Why. No solid dual-sourced statewide hard date we will publish: MCS/MTG closed for new Class of 2027 path — no solid statewide hard date here.
Dates. MCS/MTG closed for new Class of 2027 path — no solid statewide hard date here
Sources. MI Student Aid — Michigan Competitive Scholarship (closed to HS grads 2023+) · MI Student Aid — Michigan Tuition Grant (legacy initiates only) · Federal Student Aid — FAFSA deadlines (state list)
65/100 (D) — clarity 10/45, deadline field 15/15, sources 25/25, secondary 15/15.
Official sources disagree
Why. Official sources disagree on the filing date. We document both claims and do not pick a winner — that keeps the kind score at the bottom of the ladder.
Where they disagree. May 15, 2027 vs May 17, 2027 — FSA lists May 15 — DHEO scholarship apps list May 17 (confirm both)
Sources. DHEO Scholarships — Delaware Department of Education (May 17 apps) · Federal Student Aid — FAFSA deadlines (state list)
60/100 (D) — clarity 5/45, deadline field 15/15, sources 25/25, secondary 15/15.
How to read the clusters
Scores clump by situation on purpose. A 15 clearest FAFSA deadline states (2027-28) is a different communication problem than date varies or a documented source conflict. The ranking is accountable: messy systems stay low even when we carefully explain them on the state page.