When Is the 2024-25 FAFSA Deadline?

If you are attending school in the U.S. and need financial aid, you need to file the FAFSA every year. Knowing the FAFSA deadlines is key, as missing them can limit your access to funding. The federal deadline for the 2024-25 FAFSA is June 30, 2025, but state and school deadlines are much earlier so submit it as soon as possible. Stay on top of these dates so you don’t miss out on grants, scholarships, and other financial aid.

3 FAFSA Deadlines You Need To Know

The FAFSA is a critical tool for funding colleges in the United States, as it determines eligibility for federal, state, and institutional aid. Each year, applications open on October 1 and close on June 30, but it's wise to submit your FAFSA as early as possible. Although the FAFSA only needs to be completed once per year, different deadlines apply for federal, state, and school-specific aid programs. Missing any deadlines can reduce the aid available, so submit on time.

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When Is FAFSA Due? Important Deadlines for 2025

• Federal deadline for 2024-25. The FAFSA for the 2024-25 school year must be submitted by June 30, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. CT. Corrections or updates must be made by September 13, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. CT.

• Federal deadline for 2025-26. The FAFSA for the 2025-26 school year must be submitted by June 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CT. Any corrections or updates must be made by September 12, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CT.

• Retroactive aid. Even if you submit your FAFSA by the federal deadline in June, you can receive grants and loans retroactively for expenses already paid for the spring and fall semesters. Depending on your school, these funds might also be applied to summer school.

• 2024-25 FAFSA opening. The FAFSA for the 2024-25 academic year opens in December 2023.

• 2025-26 FAFSA opening. The FAFSA for the 2025-26 academic year opens on November 18, 2024.

• 2026-27 FAFSA opening. The FAFSA for the 2026-27 academic year is expected to open on October 1, 2025.

Types of Financial Aid

• Grants. Grants are funds you don’t have to repay as long as you complete your degree. These include Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, TEACH Grants, and Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants.

• Scholarships. Scholarships are awards that don’t need to be paid back, typically based on merit or for specific groups of people rather than financial need.

• Work-study jobs. Work-study jobs are part-time positions for undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. In exchange for your work, you earn income to help cover your educational expenses.

• Federal student loans. Federal loans usually offer lower interest rates than private loans and come with flexible repayment options like income-based repayment (IBR). Loan amounts depend on your school year, student status, and dependency tax status.

What Do You Need to Submit Your FAFSA Form?

• FSA ID. You’ll need to create an FSA ID by entering your name and social security number before you can start your FAFSA application online at FAFSA.gov, via the myStudentAid app, or on a paper form.

• Social security number or alien registration number. If you're not a U.S. citizen, you’ll need to provide your alien registration number to complete the application.

• Federal tax returns, W2s, and other income documents. You’ll need to include your federal tax returns, W2 forms, and any additional documentation that reflects your income. If you are a dependent student, you must also include your parent's financial documents. Independent students only need to report their income.

• Bank statements and records of investments. If applicable, you may also need to include bank statements and records of investments to provide a clearer picture of your financial situation.

• Records of untaxed income. If you have any untaxed income, such as child support or veterans' benefits, you’ll need to report it as well. Dependent students must also report untaxed income for their parents, if applicable.

FAFSA Submission Summary

The FAFSA Submission Summary is a document that provides a summary of your financial aid eligibility and the responses you submitted on your FAFSA form. It includes your estimated financial aid for the relevant academic year and a record of your FAFSA answers.

However, it’s important to note that the summary is not an official financial aid offer. Colleges use the information in your summary to create your official financial aid package once they have admitted you.

Can You Make Changes to the FAFSA After Applying?

You can update certain details after submitting your FAFSA. For the 2025-26 academic year, changes can be made until September 13, 2026. You can update personal info, contact details, or dependency status and should inform the schools you applied to.

If you made an SSN mistake, log into your StudentAid.gov account to correct it, and after verification, submit the correction.

However, financial details, like savings account balances, can’t be changed. If you face financial hardship, you can file a financial aid appeal with your school.

What to Do If You Miss the FAFSA Deadline

• Reach out to your school’s financial aid office. If you miss the FAFSA deadline, contact your school’s financial aid office to explore your options. Some colleges may offer flexibility with financial aid, even for late applicants.

• Apply for other scholarships. College grants and federal loans aren’t the only financial aid options. Look for scholarships from third-party companies and organizations. Use scholarship search engines to find additional opportunities.

• Ask for help. If possible, ask your parents or other loved ones for financial assistance to help pay for the current school year. Just be sure to submit your FAFSA on time for the next year.

• Consider private student loans. You can apply for private student loans without the FAFSA. Before proceeding, calculate how much you need to borrow and ensure you can afford the monthly repayment.

• Find a part or full-time job. While not ideal, working while studying can help cover college costs and reduce the need for loans.

• Consider a community college. Starting at a community college can save money before transferring to a four-year university to complete your degree.

Conclusion