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FAFSA basics

The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the form the U.S. Department of Education uses to decide federal grants, work-study, and loans. Colleges and states use it too — and so do many scholarships. Several TMCF awards, for example, require a FAFSA on file at your school before they select recipients.

The 2027–28 form is open

The Department of Education made the 2027–28 FAFSA available in September 2026. It covers school from July 1, 2027 through June 30, 2028. It’s free — never pay a website to file it.

How to file

  1. Create a StudentAid.gov account. If a parent needs to contribute information, they create their own account too.
  2. Fill out the form at StudentAid.gov and list every school you’re considering.
  3. Consent to sharing tax information when asked; it fills in your tax details for you.
  4. Submit, then save your FAFSA Submission Summary — many scholarships ask for it.

Deadlines

The federal deadline is the end of the award year, but state and school deadlines are often much earlier, and some aid runs out. File as soon as you can, and check the deadlines that apply to you.

Start or check your FAFSA on StudentAid.gov (opens in a new tab)
FAFSA deadlines by state (opens in a new tab)

This is general information, not financial advice. Your school’s financial aid office can answer questions about your situation.