When does the 2025-2026 FAFSA open for college graduates finishing in 2025?
I'm confused about the FAFSA timeline for 2025-2026. My daughter will graduate in May 2025, and we need to apply for her final semester of financial aid. When exactly does the application window open for her last semester? Is it still the same Dec 1st date they used last time? We missed the priority deadline last year and got way less aid, so I'm trying to be super prepared this time. Also, does anyone know if the SAI calculation is changing again? Last time it was a total nightmare with the new formula.
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The Boss
The 2025-2026 FAFSA application should open on December 1, 2024, just like last year's cycle. Since your daughter is graduating in May 2025, she'll need to complete this application for her final semester. The priority deadlines vary by school, but they're typically between January and March, so you should aim to submit as close to December 1st as possible. And yes, you're right to be concerned about missing those priority deadlines - schools distribute their institutional aid first-come, first-served until it runs out.
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Mia Roberts
•Thank you! Do you know if they fixed all those technical glitches from last year's rollout? We spent HOURS trying to get through the contributor section.
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Evan Kalinowski
The FAFSA better not change the formula again!!! The new SAI left my son with $5800 LESS aid than the old EFC calculation did. Total mess. And the parent contributor section kept crashing when I tried to link my IRS data. Had to manually enter everything THREE TIMES. I ended up calling for 2 days straight and never got through.
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Victoria Charity
•I tried calling FSA for weeks last December. Finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got through in 20 minutes. They connect you directly to a FAFSA agent instead of waiting on hold forever. Saved me hours of frustration when my application was stuck in verification. Check their demo video if you're curious: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ
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Jasmine Quinn
To clarify a few points about the 2025-2026 FAFSA: 1. The application opens December 1, 2024 2. For May 2025 graduates, this will cover their final semester 3. The SAI calculation is not expected to change significantly from the 2024-2025 formula 4. Priority deadlines vary by institution, but completing the form in December is ideal 5. The FSA ID login process has been streamlined for 2025-2026 One important note: Even though your daughter is graduating in May, she must still complete this FAFSA for that final semester. Some students mistakenly think they don't need to file for their last term.
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Mia Roberts
•This is super helpful! You mentioned the FSA ID process is better - does that mean the whole parent contributor section works better too? That was our biggest headache last time.
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Oscar Murphy
my son graduates 2025 too and i heard they might actually open it earlier like november 15?? anyone else hear that or just me?
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Jasmine Quinn
•That's not accurate. The Department of Education has officially announced December 1, 2024 as the opening date for the 2025-2026 FAFSA. They're not planning an early release this cycle after the difficulties with last year's rollout. Always best to check studentaid.gov for the most current information.
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Nora Bennett
Dec 1 is the official date but good luck actually getting through that day!! website ALWAYS crashes. I recommend waiting till Dec 3-4 honestly. The priority deadline isnt usually until February or March depending on your state and school, so you still have plenty of time. Just make sure you have all your 2023 tax info and W-2s ready since thats what they use for 2025-2026 (still 2 years prior income).
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Evan Kalinowski
•EXACTLY!!! I tried for 3 days straight last December and the site kept freezing during the parent contributor section. Total disaster. At least now they've had a year to fix it...hopefully.
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Mia Roberts
Has anyone heard if scholarships are being affected by the SAI changes? My daughter has a merit scholarship, but we're still expected to pay way more with the new calculation than we did for her first year. It feels like they're reducing need-based aid for middle-class families.
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Ryan Andre
•Honestly, the whole system is rigged against the middle class now. My family makes just enough to get basically no aid but not enough to actually afford college. The SAI formula is even worse than the old EFC. My daughter is taking out maximum loans and still had to drop to part-time this semester to work more hours. It's criminal what they're doing to our kids with these calculations.
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The Boss
@OP - Regarding your question about technical glitches: The Department of Education has made significant improvements to the FAFSA system after last year's problematic rollout. The parent/contributor section has been completely redesigned and the direct IRS data transfer should work much more smoothly. They've also added more server capacity for the December opening. For your daughter's final semester, make sure you also check with her school's financial aid office about any special procedures for graduating students. Some institutions have additional forms for students in their final term, especially if they're taking a reduced course load.
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Mia Roberts
•That's a relief! I'll definitely check with her school too. I didn't even think about there being different rules for final semester students. Thank you!
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