For many students and parents, filling out the FAFSA® (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) has become a yearly tradition, a rite of passage tied to pursuing higher education. However, with political changes and uncertainty often looming in the background, concerns about the future of this critical financial aid tool have surfaced. One of the top concerns, “Will the FAFSA go away when President Trump takes office?”
The short answer? No, the FAFSA is not going away.
What Is the FAFSA and Why Isn’t It Going Away?
The FAFSA is a federal form that allows students to apply for financial aid programs established by U.S. law. These aid programs—including federal, student loans, grants, and work-study opportunities—are rooted in legislation, specifically the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended.
Because the FAFSA and the financial aid programs it supports are written into federal law, eliminating them would require a significant act of Congress, including potential changes to the Higher Education Act itself. Even discussions about eliminating the U.S. Department of Education do not mean the FAFSA or federal aid programs will just disappear. If, and only if, that were to happen, these programs would likely be transferred to another agency for administration.
The 2025-2026 FAFSA application cycle is already live as of late November, and no disruptions are expected. Students can confidently complete the form without concern about its immediate future.
Addressing Concerns About Undocumented Parents or FAFSA Contributors
For students with undocumented parents or spouses, completing the FAFSA can feel risky, given the existing political climate and immigration enforcement policies.
It’s important to note that the Higher Education Act prohibits the use of FAFSA information for purposes other than determining financial aid. However, no one can guaranty that this information will not be disclosed. It’s crucial for students to have open, honest conversations with their parents or spouses about their immigration status. It could be possible that the student is not aware of their parent’s immigration status, or their parent’s wishes for their child to pursue higher education out of high school.
If you’re in this situation, reach out to your school’s financial aid office or your high school counselor. They may offer you solutions to help finance college without completing the FAFSA.
Can the FAFSA Be Eliminated in the Future?
While there are no guarantees about the long-term future of any government program, it's highly unlikely that federal student aid—and the FAFSA itself—will be eliminated anytime soon.
The financial aid programs the FAFSA supports are established by federal law. Modifying or ending these programs would require legislative action by Congress—a process that isn’t quick or arbitrary.
Millions of students rely on the FAFSA and subsequent aid each year to make higher education more accessible. The broad and bipartisan support for affordable education makes it improbable for such programs to suddenly disappear.
We would know well in advance of any legislative changes affecting the FAFSA or federal aid programs. For now, there is no reason to believe the FAFSA will be eliminated.
Why You Should Complete the FAFSA This Year
If you’re planning to attend college next fall, completing the FAFSA is an absolute must. Think of it as an essential step in unlocking financial resources for your education.
It’s not just about federal aid—many states, and even colleges use FAFSA data to determine eligibility for their own funding programs. Ignoring the FAFSA could mean leaving money on the table.
If you’re concerned about specific challenges or questions while completing the form, don’t hesitate to seek help from trusted resources, including your high school counselor or a financial aid advisor at your prospective college.
Is the 2025-2026 FAFSA Working Smoothly?
Absolutely. After a rocky roll-out during a prior application cycle, this year’s FAFSA process is operating much more efficiently. The application has been live since the end of November, and so far, there have been no widespread reports of technical issues or delays in processing.
Your Financial Aid Plan
Don’t lose sleep over worries about the FAFSA being eliminated. The system is established by federal law. If you have concerns, reach out for help. Whether it’s understanding how to complete the form or navigating complex personal situations, counselors and financial aid advisors are available resources.
Complete the FAFSA today. The sooner you apply, the better your chances of securing aid before any state or institutional deadlines. Education is an investment in your future—don’t miss out on the funding you need to succeed. Take the first step and complete your FAFSA application today.