SENIORS!
The 2025-2026 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is available to all students and contributors during the expanded beta testing period. If you complete the form during this testing period, you won’t have to complete it again following the official release, no later than December 1st.
Please keep in mind that guidance counselors are NOT financial aid experts and will not directly advise students or families on financial aid matters.
We are providing the following FAFSA resources for students and families. We encourage you to review them and decide which resource(s) would be most beneficial for you.
FAFSA Information & Resources for the Class of 2025
What is the FAFSA?
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) - you must complete and submit the FAFSA to be eligible for federal student aid such as federal grants, work-study funds, and loans. The FAFSA should be filed by students who plan to attend a four-year college, a two-year or community college, or a trade school/career training program.
Completing and submitting the FAFSA form is free and gives you access to the largest source of aid to help you pay for college or career school. In addition, many states and colleges use your FAFSA information to determine your state and school aid eligibility.
You will be filling out and submitting the 2025 - 2026 FAFSA.
You can access the FAFSA here.
If you haven’t already created your FSA ID, information can be found here.
What do I need to complete the FAFSA?
A Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the 2025-2026 FAFSA Questions
FAFSA FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)(FAQ Spanish)
FAFSA Checklist (English) (Portuguese)
Who is My “Parent” When I Fill out the FAFSA - this document reviews which parent’s information should be reported on the FAFSA
2025-26 Federal Tax Information on the FAFSA (uAspire) - This tool serves as a guide for which tax line information will be transferred into the FAFSA or will guide a person who must enter their tax information manually.
FAFSA Help:
FAFSA Walkthrough with UAspire - Online events will walk students and families through the entire FAFSA by section, outlining what information is necessary, detailing common pain points, and discussing how to answer questions. Multiple dates and times beginning on December 5th. Register here.
Coalition for College - Completing the FAFSA - Not sure where to begin with the FAFSA? Are you confused by the process or unfamiliar with certain terms? In this session, admissions and financial aid experts will share tips to prepare you to complete the FAFSA; Featuring: Berea College, Bowdoin College, and Northwestern University. The event is on December 3rd at 8:00 PM (Eastern Time) Register here.
MEFA: Understanding the FAFSA - This webinar will provide a detailed overview of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. You’ll learn step-by-step instructions on completing the application, helpful tips on answering questions correctly, and important next steps. Live transcription will be available. The event is on December 4th from 12:00 - 1:00; Register here.
MEFA - FAFSA Festivals
Do you need assistance completing the FAFSA, the form required to apply for college financial aid? Join MEFA for a virtual FAFSA Festival. You can log in anytime and be paired with an expert who can answer your FAFSA questions and help you complete the online application. Before you join us, we encourage you to start filling out the FAFSA at fafsa.gov.
Events will be held from 4:00 - 6:00 PM on December 10th, December 16th, January 15th & February 11th. Register here.
FAFSA Day Massachusetts - This non-profit program provides free assistance to students and families seeking to complete the FAFSA. Financial aid professionals from colleges and organizations across Massachusetts are available to answer questions and walk you through the application process. Click a date below to register for a 2025 FAFSA Day online event:
Sunday, January 5th 1:00 – 2:00 PM
Tuesday, January 28th 6:00 -7:00 PM
Monday, February 24th 6:00 - 7:00 PM
WYATT - A digital FAFSA Advisor (this is a new resource - we sharing it for information purposes)
Wyatt helps first-time filers complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), so you can get help paying for college. Wyatt will guide you through your application, texting helpful reminders and answering all your FAFSA questions.
What happens after you submit your FAFSA? Quick video overview for students and families.
Next Steps Post- FAFSA (UAspire)
Know the steps to take after submitting the FAFSA, like reviewing your Student Aid Report verification. Events on Tuesday, December 17th at 6:00 PM and Wednesday, January 15th at 4:00 PM. Register here.
