Tip of the Week
Going forward with the 2025-26 FAFSA
Although you may still be mired in figuring out issues with the 2024-25 FAFSA, there’s some news today, providing some hope for the 2025-26 FAFSA.
The Department of Education announced the availability of the 2025-26 FAFSA prototype. In announcing the prototype, the Department said it offers “an advance opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the 2025–26 FAFSA form user experience ahead of its release.”
To access the 2025–26 FAFSA prototype, Visit https://fsapartners.ed.gov/fafsa-prototype/2526 and enter the access code: prototype2526
According to the Department, the FAFSA prototype is not a complete replica of the 2025–26 FAFSA form that will be available at StudentAid.gov. Instead, it’s a web-based design tool that allows users to navigate specific scenarios that many 2025–26 applicants will encounter on the live website.
Anyone testing the prototype should be aware of its limitations, but this is the first step in our aspiration for a better 2025-26.
– By Catherine Mueller
