The U.S. Department of Education is making the Free Application for Federal Student Aid available earlier than usual this year as a beta test, which experts say may address some of the bugs that have plagued previous application cycles.
The FAFSA serves as the gateway to all federal aid money for college-bound students, including federal student loans, work-study and grants.
The 2026-27 FAFSA is already available to a limited group of students in a beta test. Starting on Sept. 1, anyone can request to participate in the second phase of testing, according to an announcement from the Education Department.
All students will have access to the coming academic year’s form at the beginning of October, in keeping with the typical start date.
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