Changes to the FAFSA® Process for 2017-18
SUBMIT A FAFSA EARLIER: Students will be able to submit a 2017-18 FAFSA as early as Oct. 1, 2016, rather than beginning on Jan. 1, 2017. The earlier submission date will be a permanent change, enabling students to complete and submit their FAFSAs as early as October 1 every year.
USE EARLIER INCOME AND TAX INFORMATION: Beginning with the 2017-18 FAFSA, students will be required to report income and tax information from an earlier tax year. For example, on the 2017-18 FAFSA, students (and parents, as appropriate) will report their 2015 income and tax information, rather than their 2016 income and tax information.
For more information on the changes, click here.
Here's a summary of key dates for submitting the FAFSA depending on when you plan to go to college:
If you plan to attend college from... | You will submit this FAFSA | You can submit the FAFSA from... | Using income and tax information from... |
July 1, 2016 - June 30, 2017 |
2016-17 | January 1, 2016 - June 30, 2017 |
2015 |
July 1, 2017 - June 30, 2018 |
2017-18 | October 1, 2016 - June 30, 2018 |
2015 |
July 1, 2018 - June 30, 2019 |
2018-19 | October 1, 2017 - June 30, 2019 |
2016 |
Here are some resources to help you get started:
STEPS TO APPLY
LEARN HOW TO FILL OUT THE FASFA
CREATE YOUR OWN FEDERAL STUDENT AID ID (FSA ID) - The FSA ID is your electronic passport to federal student aid online.
GET HELP PAYING FOR COLLEGE
COMPLETE YOUR FASFA ONLINE
BASICS ON FINANCIAL AID, GRANTS & SCHOLARSHIPS
COMMUNITY COLLEGE FINANCIAL AID OFFICES