The U.S. Department of Education announced last week that they will open the 2025-2026 FAFSA for the final round of beta test, Expanded Beta 4 round. That means, you can go and complete your FAFSA application now, you do not need to wait until the full release on Dec. 1, 2024.
Beta Testing v. Full Release
The final round of beta testing has been opened to allow the application to receive a higher volume of FAFSA forms at one time, which will allow a test of the system. If you complete your FAFSA now, you are a completing a real application.
Some students and parents are questioning whether this is a covert soft launch. Rest assured; it is not. Last year's soft launch for the 2024-2025 application was plagued with bugs and numerous glitches, and it was clear that the application was not ready for a full release. Such issues are not expected with this year's beta launch. The user experience may not be as smooth as the full launch, but the purpose of the beta testing is to try to find any bugs or issues so fixes can be made before the full launch.
Should You Complete Your FAFSA Now?
Honestly, that is up to you. If you have your information ready to go, you can go ahead and use the beta application on StudentAid.gov. Many states award aid on a first-come, first-served basis, and if you live in one of those states, you may want to consider submitting your application during the beta phase. Either way, it may not be crucial to submit during the beta launch, but it is recommended that you complete the application as soon as possible after the full release on Dec. 1, 2024.
An anticipated issue is the long hold times when contacting the Federal Student Aid Information Center (FSAIC). Over the past few years, the call center has faced considerable criticism for these delays. It is hoped that the recently hired staff will help reduce this pressure.
Am I Ready to Complete the FAFSA?
To effectively complete the FAFSA, follow these steps to ensure you're well-prepared:
- Identify Your FAFSA Contributors: Determine who needs to provide information on your FAFSA. Confirm the individuals who will be your FAFSA Contributors, if applicable.
- FSA ID Creation: Both you and your FAFSA Contributors require an FSA ID. If you don't already have one, create it at StudentAid.gov. Since the application processing might take a few days, it's best to start early. Everyone who creates an FSA ID should complete their account setup. If you or your Contributors already have an FSA ID, ensure that all usernames and passwords are known, and any issues are resolved before beginning the application.
- Gather Necessary Information: Use your 2023 federal tax information for the FAFSA. Also, gather records of any untaxed income, such as child support, and information about your assets. If you're applying to multiple schools, prepare your list in advance. Remember, the online application allows you to list up to 20 schools at once.