If you’re planning on attending college and need financial aid, then filling out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an essential step. But it’s not just about submitting the FAFSA — you need to be aware of the deadlines to make sure you don’t miss out on the financial assistance you need. FAFSA deadlines can vary depending on where you live, where you’re going to school, and what kind of aid you’re applying for so it’s important to pay attention.
Why FAFSA Deadlines Matter
The FAFSA is the key to unlocking a variety of financial aid options, including federal grants, work-study programs, and loans. It’s also used by most states and colleges to determine eligibility for state financial aid and institutional scholarships. Each of these funding sources has its own deadlines, which means it’s important to keep track of them all. Missing the FAFSA deadline can lead to missing out on significant financial aid opportunities.
Key FAFSA Deadlines You Need to Know
There are three main deadlines you should be aware of when filling out your FAFSA:
Federal Deadline:
The federal deadline for submitting the FAFSA is set by the U.S. Department of Education, and it’s the most straightforward deadline to remember. For the 2024-2025 FAFSA, the federal deadline is June 30, 2025. Even though the federal deadline is in June, don’t wait until the last minute to submit. You should aim to complete your FAFSA as soon as possible.
State Deadlines:
Each state has its own FAFSA deadline for state-based financial aid, such as grants and scholarships. Some states have rolling deadlines, while others have specific cutoffs, often in February or March before the school year begins.
School-Specific Deadlines:
Colleges and universities often set their own FAFSA deadlines for institutional aid, such as scholarships or grants provided by the school itself. These deadlines can be significantly earlier than the federal or state deadlines and may vary depending on the school. Many schools require students to submit their FAFSA by November 1 (for early action or early decision applicants) or March 1 (for regular decision applicants) to be considered for institutional aid.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait: The Importance of Early FAFSA Submission
While the FAFSA deadlines may seem far off, early submission is always a smart strategy. Financial aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis for many programs. Submitting your FAFSA early gives you the best chance of securing need-based federal grants. Additionally, mistakes happen. So, if you have to correct your application all, you want more time to do so. Waiting until the last minute leaves little time for corrections, which could delay the processing of your aid.
Some state programs and institutional scholarships have limited funds. Once that funding runs out, it’s gone — and if you haven’t submitted your FAFSA, you won’t be eligible for those awards. Submitting early ensures you’re considered for all available funding before it runs out. Finally, submitting your FAFSA early can reduce stress. Knowing that you’ve completed an important step in your college journey means you can focus on other things, like applying to schools or preparing for standardized tests.
FAFSA deadlines are your gateway to securing financial aid for college, so it’s important to stay on top of them. The sooner you submit, the better your chances of receiving the most aid possible. Don’t wait until the last minute! By submitting your FAFSA early and ensuring you meet all relevant deadlines, you’ll be setting yourself up for a smoother college financial journey.
More about Jodi and College Financial Aid Advisors
Jodi is a FAFSA financial advisor who helps with the financial aid process to help families of college students maximize their financial aid. From completing the FAFSA and completing the CSS Profile to reviewing the SAR, responding to requests for verification, comparing financial aid offers and understanding student loan options, Jodi is a fantastic resource when it comes to student financial aid. Schedule a 15 Minute Power Chat to learn more about finding ways to pay for college.