FAFSA opens early: Why families should apply for college aid now
College-bound students and their families can now complete the 2027-28 Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.
TL;DR
- The FAFSA is now open, providing earlier access to federal student aid applications.
- Early application increases the chances of receiving financial assistance, including grants, work-study, and loans.
- Many states and schools use FAFSA data to determine financial aid offers.
- The simplified FAFSA form offers an estimate of federal aid eligibility.
- New provisions affect Pell Grant eligibility and federal borrowing limits for college and graduate school.
- Cost is a significant barrier to higher education, making financial aid essential.
- Grants, like the Pell Grant, are highly valued as they typically do not require repayment.
- Families use a mix of funding sources, including savings, employment, loans, and credit cards, to pay for college.