Need money for college? The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (or FAFSA) has opened—earlier than ever—to give you a head start in securing the maximum amount of financial aid for the 2026-2027 school year. But don’t wait. The earlier you apply, the better your chances of unlocking funding in the form of grants and scholarships that can reduce the cost of your education. Do you want even better news? This year’s FAFSA is easier, shorter and includes key changes that may benefit you even more.
More streamlined application
- Simplified form and fewer questions: The FAFSA is now shorter and more streamlined, making the application process faster and less complicated for students and families.
- Instant identity verification for StudentAid.gov accounts: Students and parents/guardians with Social Security numbers now receive instant verification, thus reducing delays and frustration.
- Streamlined contributor invite process: Dependent students can now invite either their parent or contributor to complete their portion of the FAFSA with a simple code, which eliminates the need to enter personal information directly.
- IRS direct data exchange (DDX): All applicants must use the DDX tool to transfer their federal tax information directly from the IRS to the FAFSA form to make the process more accurate and efficient.
Changes to financial calculations
- Exclusion of small businesses from asset reporting: The net worth of small family-owned businesses (with 100 or fewer full-time employees) are now exempt from the SAI calculation, which makes it easier for these families to qualify for aid.
Accessibility and college choices
- More college choices: Students may now list up to 20 colleges, doubling the previous limit of 10.
- Multiple languages: The FAFSA is available in 11 common languages to improve accessibility for English as a Second Language (ESL) students and parents.
- For information about Pell Grant eligibility, visit 2026-2027 FAFSA Form and Pell Grant Eligibility Updates
Getting started – what you need to do first
- Create an FSA ID
- Before you begin the application, you and all contributors must create an FSA ID at StudentAid.gov. Think of it as your key to FAFSA. You’re not getting in without it.
Gather the documents you’ll need
To complete the FAFSA, you will need:
- Your Social Security number or Alien Registration number.
- The Social Security number(s) of your parent(s) or spouse, if applicable.
- Your federal income tax information from 2024.
- Records of assets and financial statements.
Once you have created your FSA ID and gathered all your necessary documents, you are ready to apply!
Important FAFSA Deadlines for 2026-27
- Federal Deadline: June 30, 2027.
- Corrections or updates: September 12, 2027.
- State and college deadlines: Each state and individual college may have their own earlier priority deadlines for their respective grants and scholarships, which are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Be sure to file early!
Smart moves for Vaughn students and applicants
- File ASAP: Funds are limited. File early!
- Double check income information: Make sure IRS income is accurate.
- Talk to Vaughn’s financial aid department: We can help guide you through the process.
- Plan ahead for scholarships: If you expect big scholarships, ask how they affect your aid package.
Get the financial aid you need to rise above! Vaughn is accepting applications FREE of charge for the month of October – so get your applications in!