FAFSA®

The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

Don't Leave Money on the Table

The FAFSA is your gateway to money for college or career training. Fill it out to see if you qualify for grants, scholarships, work-study, and other financial aid that can help make your next step more affordable.

Complete the FAFSA Form

What is the FAFSA?

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), created and coordinated by the U.S. Department of Education, is a secure and essential tool for determining financial aid eligibility. Nearly all colleges and career schools use the FAFSA to assess how much aid to offer students based on their financial need and merit. While the federal government verifies the information provided, colleges and programs ultimately use it to distribute financial aid awards.

Despite its name, the FAFSA is a form, not a traditional application, and typically takes about an hour to complete. Each year, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Federal Student Aid provides over $120 billion in financial aid to support students pursuing higher education.

Important Dates

2026-27 FAFSA Form is currently open.

Each college and career or trade school may have its own deadline. Check with the school you’re interested in attending.

October 1st, 2026

The 2027-28 FAFSA form will open.

March 1st, 2027

The 2027-28 FAFSA form completion deadline for state scholarships.

June 30th

The most common priority deadline is June 30th of the year you plan to enroll.

Who’s eligible for Federal Student Aid?

Most students are eligible to receive financial aid from the federal government to help pay for college, career school, or trade school. While your income is taken into consideration, it isn’t the only thing your school considers when offering federal student aid.

To receive federal student aid, you...

Learn more about eligibility

Must have a high school diploma or equivalent or meet the criteria for an ability-to-benefit alternative.

Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.

Enroll in an eligible degree or certificate program at a qualifying college or career/trade school.

How to Fill Out the FAFSA

The FAFSA is your first step to getting money for college or career training. Follow the steps below to get your information ready, fill out the form, and submit your application to see what financial aid you may qualify for.

1

Prepare

Gather items like Social Security numbers, tax records, and FSA IDs for you and your parents.

2

Fill out

You can apply online, via the mobile app, or by submitting a paper form.

How To Fill Out The FAFSA

3

Submit

Online submissions are processed within 5-7 business days. Check for updates or corrections if needed.

What Happens Next?

FAQ

The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is a free form from the U.S. Department of Education that determines your eligibility for financial aid (including grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans).

U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens may complete the FAFSA.

You must have a valid Social Security number and be enrolled or accepted in an eligible degree or certificate program.

Students who are undocumented or DACA recipients are not eligible for federal aid.

An FSA ID is your StudentAid.gov username and password and it serves as your legal electronic signature on the FAFSA.

Both the student and at least one parent must create separate FSA IDs at StudentAid.gov.

Log into StudentAid.gov to make corrections at any time.

Common reasons to update include correcting a data entry error, updating tax information after filing, or adding/removing a school.

If you submitted with estimated tax info, you must return and update once your taxes are filed, as changes may affect your aid package.

Yes. You must submit a new FAFSA each academic year to remain eligible for financial aid.

The FAFSA opens October 1st for the following academic year. Complete it as early as possible, since some aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Worried about how to pay for college?

You’re not alone—and there are lots of ways to get help. Check out the Financial Aid Hub to learn about grants, scholarships, and other resources that can help make college or career training more affordable.

Visit the Financial Aid Hub

Unanswered Questions?

If you have any unanswered questions, please connect with the College and Career Access team. We are here to assist with your questions.

info@nextsteps.idaho.gov 
208-488-7599