If you are asking “which FAFSA do I fill out?” you are not alone. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the form you need to complete to get federal grants, loans, and work-study money for college. There is only one FAFSA form to fill out each year, but you must choose the correct application year based on when you will attend school.
For most students, you will fill out the FAFSA for the academic year you plan to enroll. For example, if you are starting college in fall 2026, you need the 2026-27 FAFSA. This guide explains exactly which FAFSA to use, when to submit it, and how to avoid common mistakes.
Understanding the FAFSA Application Years
The FAFSA is available for each academic year, which runs from July 1 to June 30. You must fill out the form for the correct year, or your application will not be processed. The U.S. Department of Education releases a new FAFSA form every year, usually on October 1.
As of August 2026, the current FAFSA forms are:
- 2025-26 FAFSA – for enrollment between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026
- 2026-27 FAFSA – for enrollment between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027
- 2027-28 FAFSA – will open on October 1, 2026, for enrollment between July 1, 2027, and June 30, 2028
If you are planning to attend college during the 2026-27 academic year, you must fill out the 2026-27 FAFSA. Do not use the 2025-26 form, even if you are a returning student.
Which FAFSA Should You Fill Out Based on Your Start Date?
Your enrollment start date determines which FAFSA to complete. Here is a simple breakdown:
| When You Plan to Attend College | Which FAFSA to Fill Out |
|---|---|
| Fall 2025 to Summer 2026 | 2025-26 FAFSA |
| Fall 2026 to Summer 2027 | 2026-27 FAFSA |
| Fall 2027 to Summer 2028 | 2027-28 FAFSA (opens Oct 1, 2026) |
If you are a high school senior, you will typically fill out the FAFSA for the upcoming fall semester. If you are already in college, you may need to fill out a new FAFSA each year you are enrolled, as long as you want financial aid.
Step-by-Step: How to Choose the Right FAFSA
Follow these steps to make sure you select the correct application year:
- Check your college’s start date on your acceptance letter or school website.
- Identify the academic year that includes that start date (July 1 to June 30).
- Go to the official FAFSA website and select the application year that matches.
- If you are unsure, ask your high school counselor or college financial aid office.
Do not guess. Using the wrong FAFSA will delay your financial aid, and you may miss deadlines.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a FAFSA
Many students accidentally fill out the previous year’s FAFSA because they see it listed first. Always double-check the academic year label on the form before starting.
Another mistake is filling out a FAFSA for a year you already completed. If you are a returning college student, you need a new FAFSA for each academic year. For example, if you used the 2025-26 FAFSA last year, you must fill out the 2026-27 FAFSA for the upcoming fall.
Also, do not fill out two FAFSA forms for the same year. You can only submit one FAFSA per academic year. If you need to correct information, use the “FAFSA Corrections” option on the official site.
Deadlines: When to Submit Your FAFSA
Federal deadlines are important, but state and college deadlines can be earlier. As of 2026, the federal deadline for the 2026-27 FAFSA is June 30, 2027, with corrections due by September 11, 2027. However, many states and colleges have priority deadlines in early 2026 or even late 2025.
To maximize your aid, submit your FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1, 2025 for the 2026-27 year. Some aid is first-come, first-served, so early submission is critical.
What Information Do You Need for the FAFSA?
Before you start, gather these documents:
- Your Social Security number (or Alien Registration number if you are not a U.S. citizen)
- Your federal income tax returns (or your parents’ if you are a dependent student)
- Records of untaxed income, such as child support or veterans’ benefits
- Bank statements and investment records
- Your FSA ID (username and password) to sign electronically
Having these ready will make the process faster and reduce errors.
Special Situations: Which FAFSA for Different Circumstances?
High School Seniors
If you are a senior graduating in spring 2026, you will fill out the 2026-27 FAFSA to start college in fall 2026. Your parents may need to provide their tax information if you are a dependent student.
College Transfer Students
If you are transferring from one college to another for the 2026-27 year, you still fill out the 2026-27 FAFSA. You do not need to reapply for the same year if you already submitted one, but you must update your list of colleges on the FAFSA.
Graduate and Professional Students
Graduate students are considered independent for FAFSA purposes, so you do not need parent information. You still fill out the same FAFSA form for the academic year you will be enrolled.
How to Complete the FAFSA Online
Go to the official FAFSA website (studentaid.gov) and log in with your FSA ID. Select the correct application year, then follow the prompts. The form will ask about your personal information, financial data, and list of schools you want to receive your results.
Review your information carefully before submitting. After you submit, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) that summarizes your data. Check it for errors and make corrections if needed.
If you prefer, you can also fill out a paper FAFSA, but the online version is faster and more accurate. The online form also lets you link directly to your tax return information.
What Happens After You Submit the FAFSA?
Your FAFSA data is sent to the schools you listed. Each school will calculate your financial aid package and send you an award letter. The award letter shows how much grant, loan, and work-study aid you are eligible for.
You must accept the aid you want, and you may need to complete additional forms like a loan entrance counseling. Keep track of deadlines for accepting aid, as they vary by school.
If your financial situation changes after you submit, contact your college’s financial aid office. They may be able to adjust your aid based on new circumstances.
Final Thoughts: Choose the Right FAFSA for Your Future
Choosing the right FAFSA is simple once you know your enrollment dates. Always match the academic year on the form to the year you will attend college. Submit as early as possible, and double-check your information. By filling out the correct FAFSA, you take a key step toward funding your education without unnecessary delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which FAFSA do I fill out for 2026-2027?
You fill out the 2026-27 FAFSA for enrollment between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027.
Can I fill out the 2025-26 FAFSA for fall 2026?
No, you must use the 2026-27 FAFSA for any enrollment starting after June 30, 2026.
Do I need to fill out a new FAFSA every year?
Yes, you must submit a new FAFSA for each academic year you want financial aid.
What if I already filled out the wrong FAFSA?
If you submitted the wrong year, contact your college’s financial aid office immediately to correct it or submit the correct form.
When does the 2027-28 FAFSA open?
The 2027-28 FAFSA opens on October 1, 2026, for enrollment starting in fall 2027.
