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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/teen-fafsa-2027-opened-early

When did the FAFSA for the 2027-28 school year open to the public?

September 23, 2026, the earliest launch in the program's history.

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  1. January 1, 2027
  2. September 23, 2026 ✔
  3. July 1, 2027

Why: The Education Department put the 2027-28 FAFSA online on September 23, 2026. It used to open on October 1, so do not assume the old date. Check studentaid.gov each fall.

Huh, didn't know that: The law says the Education Department must launch the FAFSA by October 1 each year.

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References

Answer: September 23, 2026. The Education Department put the 2027-28 FAFSA online on September 23, 2026. It used to open on October 1, so do not assume the old date. Check studentaid.gov each fall.

  1. U.S. Department of Education: Earliest FAFSA Launch in Program History for the Second Consecutive Year (Sept. 23, 2026) www.ed.gov/about/news/press-release/us-department-of-education-announces-earliest-fafsa-launch-program-history-second-consecutive-year
    announced that the 2027-2028 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form is online and available to the public
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. Same press release, Background section www.ed.gov/about/news/press-release/us-department-of-education-announces-earliest-fafsa-launch-program-history-second-consecutive-year
    the Department must certify the form's launch by September 1, and launch by October 1.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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MoneyHow much does it cost to fill out the FAFSA form?MoneyFor the 2026 to 2027 award year, a federal Pell Grant is worth up to how much?MoneyThe federal FAFSA deadline is months away. Why file as early as you can anyway?

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