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- The FAFSA for the 2024-25 school year is open now, and you should complete it as soon as possible.
- The sooner you fill out the FAFSA, the better chance you have at aid like grants and scholarships.
- States and colleges may have different financial aid deadlines than the federal government.
Key FAFSA deadlines for 2024-2025
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is now live for students across the country seeking financial aid for the 2024-25 school year. With billions of dollars available in financial assistance, you'll want to apply early for the FAFSA to get the best shot at the limited amount of gift aid available.
The FAFSA is a form used to determine your eligibility for financial aid for undergraduate or graduate education. Both the federal government and colleges you apply to will use this application when presenting you with your complete aid package.
To complete the FAFSA, you'll need to provide financial information for yourself and your family, including previous years' tax returns, bank account information, and investment statements. You can either fill out theform onlineor send in aPDF applicationby mail
Federal deadline: June 30, 2025
According to the Student Aid website, "The federal deadline to submit the 2024–25 FAFSA form will be June 30, 2025. Some states and colleges have their own deadlines for financial aid, so check for updates at StudentAid.gov/fafsa-deadlines." This is the absolute last day to submit your FAFSA for the 2024-25 academic year.
State deadlines vary by state
State FAFSA deadlines are often much earlier that the federal deadline. Check your state's specific deadline for more information.
College deadlines: Check with your school
Many colleges have priority deadlines, which are earlier than the federal deadline. If you're serious about your financial aid journey, make sure you know which dates are important for you. Meeting these deadlines is crucial for maximizing your financial aid package.
Why applying early is essential
Limited funding
You should file the FAFSA as soon as possible, and you can submit your FAFSA for the 2024-25 school year right now. The earlier you apply for the FAFSA, the better, because certain types of aid have finite pools of money available. The application only takes about 30 minutes to an hour to complete, and we walk you through the FAFSA process with screenshots.
It's crucial to remember that funding is limited. Grant and scholarship funds generally go the quickest, followed by work-study money. Student loans are always available, but are the least desirable financial aid option because you'll have to pay back the loan principal plus interest.
More time to correct errors
By submitting the FAFSA early, it gives you time to correct any errors you may have missed, or provide more info if needed.
Early bird scholarships
Some scholarships prioritize early applicants. If you're in the running for any scholarships, some may have deadlines linked to your FAFSA submission date.
What happens if you miss a deadline?
If you miss the deadline to apply for FAFSA, don't worry. You can still apply, but you may miss out on certain types of aid. If you've missed the school or state deadline, contact your schools and explain your situation and see if they can still consider you for aid
How do you renew the FAFSA?
To renew your FAFSA, log in with the FAFSA ID and password you used the previous year. Some of your information will be automatically prefilled, saving you time in the application process.
Then, select "renew my FAFSA form." You'll need to update any information that's changed and provide requested financial information. After you do so, you'll be able to submit your FAFSA.
FAQs
Can I still submit the FAFSA after June 30, 2025?
Yes, you can submit the FAFSA after June 30, 2025, but only for the following academic year (2025-2026). You won't receive aid for 2024-25.
What if my state doesn't have a deadline listed?
If your state doesn't have a deadline listed, contact your state's higher education agency for clarification.
Do I need to submit the FAFSA if I only want scholarships?
Even if you only want to apply for scholarships, some still require FAFSA information, so it's best to submit it anyway.
Conclusion: FAFSA deadlines
Don't miss out on financial aid opportunities! Prioritize your FAFSA application, check deadlines for your state and schools, and submit it well in advance to secure the most aid possible.
Loans Reporter
Ryan Wangman was a reporter at Personal Finance Insider reporting on personal loans, student loans, student loan refinancing, debt consolidation, auto loans, RV loans, and boat loans. He is also a Certified Educator in Personal Finance (CEPF).In his past experience writing about personal finance, he has written about credit scores, financial literacy, and homeownership. He graduated from Northwestern University and has previously written for The Boston Globe.
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