To have time for more testing, the release of the 2025-26 FAFSA will be delayed until on or before December 1.
The Department earlier indicated they planned to release the 2025-26 FAFSA on October 1 since the form would be unchanged from 2024-25. However, industry groups called on the Department to avoid a repeat of problems encountered this past year with the FAFSA.
The August 7 announcement was one that many in the industry were anxiously awaiting so their organizations could communicate the release date with students and families and plan for fall presentations.
In the announcement, the Department said it will release the 2025-26 FAFSA to selected groups for testing on October 1.
According to the Department, it will invite volunteers to participate in the testing and will then make the form available to more participants.
“This process will allow the Department to test and resolve issues before making the form available to all students and contributors,” the Department said in the announcement.
After a frustrating and difficult 2024-25 FAFSA cycle for schools and applicants, the Department is taking a new approach to 2025-26. U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona stated, “Thanks to the partnership of our stakeholders, we’ve developed a better implementation process for 2025-26. I look forward to continuing to work with our partners to ensure this school year’s FAFSA implementation better serves our nation’s students.”
During the testing period, the Department will provide updates. Through August listening sessions and a new formal request for information process, ED will seek feedback from their partners.
In the coming weeks the Department will release more details about how the testing period will work.
