Important FAFSA Deadlines

Understanding FAFSA deadlines is crucial for securing financial aid. These deadlines vary by federal, state, and individual colleges, impacting your eligibility for funds. Staying on top of these dates ensures you maximize your financial support for college.

1. Federal FAFSA deadline (June 30)

   • The federal deadline for submitting the FAFSA is June 30 of the academic year for which you are applying.
   • Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM Central Time on this date.
   • Late submissions will not be considered for federal financial aid.

2. State FAFSA deadlines (vary by state)

   • Each state has its own deadline for FAFSA submission, which can be as early as February or as late as June.
   • Check your state’s specific deadline to ensure eligibility for state financial aid programs.
   • Some states may have limited funds, so applying early is advisable.

3. College/university-specific FAFSA deadlines

   • Many colleges and universities set their own deadlines for FAFSA submission, often earlier than the federal deadline.
   • These deadlines can affect eligibility for institutional aid and scholarships.
   • Always verify the specific deadlines for each institution you are applying to.

4. October 1 - FAFSA application opens for the next academic year

   • The FAFSA application for the upcoming academic year opens on October 1.
   • Students can begin filling out the FAFSA as soon as it opens to maximize their chances of receiving aid.
   • Early submission is encouraged to meet state and institutional deadlines.

5. Priority deadlines for certain schools or scholarship programs

   • Some schools and scholarship programs have priority deadlines that are earlier than the federal and state deadlines.
   • Meeting these deadlines can increase the likelihood of receiving financial aid.
   • Check with individual schools and scholarship programs for specific priority dates.

6. Renewal FAFSA deadlines for continuing students

   • Continuing students must submit a renewal FAFSA each academic year to maintain their financial aid eligibility.
   • Renewal applications can be completed using information from the previous year’s FAFSA.
   • Deadlines for renewal may align with federal, state, or institutional deadlines.

7. Deadline for submitting corrections or updates to FAFSA

   • Corrections or updates to the FAFSA can be made after submission, but must be completed by the federal deadline of June 30.
   • It is important to correct any errors promptly to avoid delays in financial aid processing.
   • Changes in income or family circumstances should also be reported as soon as possible.

8. CSS Profile deadlines (for schools requiring additional financial aid forms)

   • Some colleges require the CSS Profile in addition to the FAFSA, with its own set of deadlines.
   • CSS Profile deadlines can vary by institution and may be earlier than FAFSA deadlines.
   • Check with each school to determine if the CSS Profile is required and its specific submission deadline.