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FAFSA Made Simple: A Beginner’s Guide for the 2025-2026 Application

CFAA College Financial Aid Advisors

There’s paperwork to submit, essays to write, and financial aid applications to send in. The most important financial document that students will file with their families this fall is the FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. You may never know what aid your student can receive!

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Bill to Consider Student Parent Finances Progresses in California State Legislature

Diverse: Issues in Higher Education

Assemblymember Marc Berman California state legislators are considering a bill designed to ensure that students who are parents can get the most out of their student financial aid. If signed into law, the bill’s new data collection requirements would go into effect on or before the start of the 2026–27 academic year.

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Breaking Down FAFSA: Understanding the Application Process

CFAA College Financial Aid Advisors

But, due to recent changes in the form, this year’s FAFSA for the 2025-2026 school year will be available starting December 1st. Financial aid is first come, first serve in most cases – so you need to get your paperwork in as soon as you can. Filing the FAFSA 101: In the past, the FAFSA was available in the fall.

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College Financial Aid Forms Decoded: Understanding What These Terms Mean

CFAA College Financial Aid Advisors

Just remember: the earlier you submit, the better your chances of getting the most aid. If you want to read some of my tips to prepare for the 2025-2026 FAFSA, check out recent blogs here! The CSS Profile: More Aid Opportunities Some schools require the CSS Profile in addition to the FAFSA.

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Deciding on Financial Aid Offers: Do You Really Need All Those Loans?

CFAA College Financial Aid Advisors

Seeking Financial Counseling: If you’re uncertain about your financial aid package or how to proceed, consider seeking financial counseling (like what I do!). Spots for the 2025-2026 school year are open and are going quickly.

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3 Things to Know About Financial Aid for High School Juniors

CFAA College Financial Aid Advisors

Filing the FAFSA is the first stop to determine your eligibility for federal, state, and most institutional college financial aid. The application for the 2025-2026 cycle should be online October 1, 2024. Some schools might require you to complete a CSS Profile as well, so check requirements carefully.

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Another FAFSA Failure Will Delay Aid Payments

College Planners of America

The ED stated that batch correction functionality would be deferred until the 2025-2026 FAFSA cycle after stating in June that it was to be available by the middle of August. This is yet another obstacle in the problem-ridden rollout of the new version of the FAFSA, which serves as the basis for the entire Federal student aid process.

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