Completing the 2027–28 FAFSA: 10 Tips To Get It Right

The FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is the form that opens the door to most college financial aid. That includes federal grants, work-study and student loans, along with many state and college-funded scholarships. In its simplest form, the FAFSA tells schools what your family can afford to contribute, so they can decide what aid to offer.

And don't assume you won't qualify. Whatever your family's income, you may still be eligible for some aid, and many colleges won't award their own grants and scholarships until you've filed. So it's worth filing even if you don't expect federal aid.

The 2027–28 FAFSA opened October 1, 2026, and the federal deadline is June 30, 2028. Here's what you need to know to complete it accurately and on time.

Before you start

1. Set up your StudentAid.gov account.
Everyone who provides information on the FAFSA needs their own StudentAid.gov account, also called an FSA ID. That usually means the student and at least one parent. Create yours at studentaid.gov using your name exactly as it appears on your Social Security card, your date of birth, a personal email address you check often, and your Social Security number if you have one. Most accounts are verified right away, but some take a few days, so it's worth doing this first.

2. Know that filing is always free.
The FAFSA never costs anything to file. Some websites charge for help, but you don't need them. File directly at studentaid.gov.

3. Apply as early as you can.
Many colleges and states award aid until their funds run out, and some have priority deadlines well before the federal one. Filing early gives you the best chance at limited funds.

While you're filling it out

4. Give consent to share your tax information.
Each contributor must give consent for the FAFSA to pull federal tax information directly from the IRS. This step is required. Without it, the student isn't eligible for federal aid. The 2027–28 FAFSA uses 2025 tax information, so keep that return handy in case you need to confirm any details.

5. List every school you're considering.
You can list up to 20 schools on the online form. Include every school you're seriously considering, even ones that feel like a reach. You can add more later.

6. Know which assets to report and which to leave out.
The FAFSA asks for your current net worth, which includes cash, savings and checking accounts, college savings accounts, investments such as stocks, bonds and mutual funds, and the net value of real estate other than your primary home.

Some assets aren't reported, including retirement accounts such as 401(k)s and IRAs, your family's primary home, and 529 plans owned by someone other than a parent. StudentAid.gov has a full list of what to include and leave out.

7. Know which parent to include.
Most undergraduates are considered dependent students, which means a parent also has to provide information. If your family situation isn't simple, for example if your parents are divorced, separated or remarried, StudentAid.gov's Who's My FAFSA Parent? tool will help you figure out who to list.

8. Avoid the most common mistakes.
Small errors can delay your aid. Enter "0" or "N/A" instead of leaving fields blank, double-check your legal name and Social Security number, and use an email address you check often, because that's where updates will go.

After you file

9. Check your status.
About 3 to 5 days after you submit, log in to studentaid.gov and make sure your FAFSA shows as "Processed." Keep an eye on your email too (including your spam folder), since that's where alerts about missing information or corrections will show up.

10. File again every year.
Your eligibility for student aid does not carry over from year-to-year. Complete your FAFSA every year to continue to have access to aid.

What to do next

1. Create a  studentaid.gov account for the student and each contributor.
2. Gather your 2025 tax returns and current account balances.
3. Check the FAFSA deadlines for your state and each school on your list.
4. Complete the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. If you get stuck, the FAFSA Help Guide walks through every section.

If your employer partners with Tuition.io, you may also have access to college funding resources and free expert-led webinars. They can help you understand your options and make the most of every dollar of aid available.

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