If you’re sending a student to college for the 2026–27 school year, the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is officially open—and yes, you should fill it out, even if you think you “won’t qualify for anything.”
Because here’s the truth:
✅ FAFSA unlocks grants, scholarships, work-study, and student loans
✅ Some schools won’t even consider your student for institutional aid without it
✅ You can always say no to loans—but not qualifying for aid because you didn’t apply? Ouch.
Important FAFSA Dates for the 2026–27 School Year
| FAFSA Opens | Priority Deadlines | Final Federal Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| October 1, 2025 | Varies by state & school (often as early as December 1, 2025) | June 30, 2027 |
👉 Translation: Submit it ASAP—ideally by November or December 2025 for best chances at school-based aid.
What Is FAFSA?
The FAFSA is a free online form from the U.S. Department of Education that determines how much financial aid a student may qualify for. “Financial aid” includes:
✅ Federal grants (free money like Pell Grants)
✅ State aid
✅ Institutional scholarships & grants (many schools require FAFSA before awarding aid)
✅ Work-study programs
✅ Federal student loans (often lower interest than private loans)
Think of it as your student’s financial key to unlocking college options. No form = potentially no aid.
What Is SAI (Student Aid Index)?
After you submit the FAFSA, the government calculates your SAI (Student Aid Index). This number helps colleges determine how much aid you’re eligible for.
Old term: EFC (Expected Family Contribution)
New term: SAI (Student Aid Index)
👉 The SAI is not the exact amount you’ll pay. It’s more like a financial “starting point” for colleges to figure out need-based aid.
SAI Ranges & What They Typically Mean
| SAI Range | What It May Indicate |
|---|---|
| Below 0 (negative) | Very high financial need. May qualify for full Pell Grant & strong aid packages. |
| 0 – 3,000 | Good chance of Pell Grants and solid need-based aid. |
| 3,000 – 10,000 | Partial Pell Grants possible; aid depends on cost of school. |
| 10,000 – 20,000 | Some need-based aid, especially at higher-cost schools. |
| 20,000+ | Likely won’t qualify for federal need-based grants but may still receive institutional or merit aid. Federal loans are still available. |
✅ Even families with higher SAIs may still qualify for merit scholarships or school-specific aid, but many colleges require FAFSA on file first.
Who Needs to Fill It Out?
✅ High school seniors planning to start college in Fall 2026
✅ Current college students returning for 2026–27
✅ Transfer students
✅ Anyone wanting federal student loans (even unsubsidized ones)
Parents will provide their financial info if the student is considered a dependent.
What You’ll Need Before Starting FAFSA
| Student Info | Parent Info |
|---|---|
| Social Security Number | Social Security Number |
| Driver’s License (if any) | 2024 Federal tax return |
| 2024 income figures | 2024 income figures |
| List of colleges applying to | Assets (bank/investment—NOT including retirement accounts, home equity, or cars) |
You’ll also each need an FSA ID (create one at studentaid.gov).
✅ FAFSA Tips to Maximize Aid
✅ Submit early—some aid is first-come, first-served
✅ List all colleges you’re considering—you can update later
✅ Include at least one in-state public school—some states require it
✅ Don’t assume your income disqualifies you—many scholarships still require FAFSA
✅ Use the IRS Direct Data Exchange to quickly import tax info
✅ If parents are divorced, only the custodial parent’s info is usually used
✅ Summer volunteers or part-time jobs? Include them—colleges love involvement
What Happens After You Submit?
- You’ll get an SAI number.
- Each college receives your FAFSA data.
- They create a financial aid package (grants, scholarships, work-study, loans).
- You compare offers and accept or decline aid.
Bottom Line: Always Fill It Out.
FAFSA isn’t just for “low-income students.” It’s your gateway to:
✅ Free money
✅ State and school-based aid
✅ Low-interest federal loans
✅ Eligibility for many merit scholarships
Filling it out = options. Skipping it = risking thousands.
📍Want college to be less confusing?
Stay tuned—we’ll help you survive financial aid season, dorm shopping, and everything in between.