FAFSA Opens October 1: What Families Need to Know

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2027–28 school year is scheduled to open on October 1. Students who submitted during the recent beta window do not need to resubmit when the form officially opens.¹

Key points

Who Can File 
Students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, or professional programs; there’s no income cutoff to submit the FAFSA.

Deadlines
The federal deadline is June 30, 2027, but many colleges set earlier priority dates (some as early as January) for institutional aid—check each school.²

What to Have Ready 
Create an account at StudentAid.gov and gather items like recent tax returns, child support records, cash account balances, and Social Security numbers for all contributors.

Form Changes to Know 
Families no longer report the value of small family-owned businesses, the primary-residence farm, or family-owned commercial fishing businesses on the FAFSA.³

Policy Heads-Up 
New federal borrowing rules effective July 1, 2026 affect loans first disbursed on/after that date (e.g., Grad PLUS eliminated; Parent PLUS capped). Current students with earlier disbursements follow prior limits for a limited period.⁴

Where to Start
Go to StudentAid.gov to create your account and begin the form on or after October 1.

If you would like to talk through college savings or have questions about 529 college savings plans, or what to do if your kids decide on an alternative path, Riggle Wealth Group can help. Email me directly at jakelawrence@riggwealth.com or call the office at 717-630-1001. I look forward to connecting with you on federal student aid and more. 

Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses associated with municipal fund securities before investing. This information is found in the issuer's official statement and should be read carefully before investing. Investors should also consider whether the investor’s or beneficiary’s home state offers any state tax or other benefits available only from that state’s 529 Plan. Any state-based benefit should be one of many appropriately weighted factors in making an investment decision. The investor should consult their financial or tax advisor before investment in any state's 529 Plan.

^{1. ED.gov, February 13, 2026}

^{2. StudentAid.gov, 2026}

^{3. FinAid.org, 2026}

^{4. FederalRegister.gov, 2026}