The form is live
The U.S. Department of Education has opened the 2027–28 FAFSA to everyone. It covers college or career school attended between July 1, 2027 and June 30, 2028. If you submitted during the early beta test, you don't need to resubmit.
The 2027–28 FAFSA uses 2025 tax information.
State deadlines that come sooner than you think
- New Jersey (Tuition Aid Grant): renewing TAG recipients must file by April 15, 2027. First-time students must file by Sept. 15, 2027 for fall and spring, or Feb. 15, 2028 for spring only. (HESAA)
- Tennessee (TN Promise): the Promise application is due Nov. 2, 2026, and the 2027–28 FAFSA is due April 1, 2027. (College for TN / THEC)
- Maryland (Guaranteed Access Grant): last cycle's deadline was March 1. Watch MHEC for the 2027–28 date. (MHEC)
Why file early
Some state and federal grants are awarded first-come, first-served until the money runs out. File as soon as you can, even before you've picked a college. You can list up to 20 schools.
Sources: Federal Student Aid Financial Aid Toolkit; HESAA; College for TN; MHEC. Always confirm with your state agency and college.