Get these key details organized before the 2027–28 FAFSA opens.
FAFSA season is almost here. The 2027–28 FAFSA is expected to be available by October 1, but families don’t have to wait until then to get started.
Whether your student is applying to college for the first time or returning for another year, here are five things to have on your radar.
Make sure you have the right FAFSA
If your student will attend college during the 2027–28 academic year, including students starting college in fall 2027, they will need the 2027–28 FAFSA.
The currently available 2026–27 FAFSA applies to the current award year, so double-check the year before beginning a form.
Check your StudentAid.gov accounts
Your student and every parent or other contributor providing information on the FAFSA will need their own StudentAid.gov account.
Accounts cannot be shared. If you already have one, make sure you can sign in and that your contact information is current.
Start the college list
Your student’s list does not have to be final before they submit the FAFSA. Begin with the colleges they are currently considering. Schools can be added or removed later if their plans change.
The college list can change later. It doesn’t have to be perfect before your student completes the FAFSA.
Find your deadlines
There is more than one FAFSA deadline to pay attention to. Add every applicable deadline to a shared calendar so nothing slips through the cracks.
Some financial aid may be limited, so state and college priority deadlines are especially important.
Gather what you may need
You do not need to assemble a giant FAFSA folder, but it helps to know where important information is before you begin.
2025 federal tax records
Checking and savings balances
Investment records, if applicable
Records of untaxed income, if requested
Login information for each contributor
Your student’s current college list
Red Kite Pro Tip: Much of your federal tax information can be transferred directly from the IRS after you provide consent. Still, keeping your 2025 tax records nearby can help if the FAFSA requests additional information.
