FAFSA Deadlines and What Happens if You Miss Them

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as FAFSA, is a time-sensitive application for students seeking financial aid for college. There are three main deadlines for those who wish to benefit from the aid program, and waiting too long to file the form may significantly reduce the amount of aid available. Understanding key deadlines helps students stay on track and take advantage of grants, loans, and scholarships to support their education.

What Is FAFSA?

FAFSA is a free online form students may use to apply for financial aid from the U.S. Department of Education. FAFSA funding includes federal grants, work-study funds, or loans that help pay for college tuition. Many states, schools, and private organizations also use FAFSA information to determine a student's eligibility for other financial aid programs, grants, or scholarships. FAFSA forms are completed by prospective students and those who wish to benefit from student financial aid to fund their studies for the following year.

When Does FAFSA Open?

Submissions for the FAFSA form open on Oct. 1 every year, which is when students can start submitting their application for the upcoming academic year. Filing as soon as possible after this date increases the chances of receiving financial aid. Although FAFSA reportedly provides more than $120 billion each year in financial assistance, many programs allocate funds on a first-come, first-served basis.

Submitting the FAFSA form is important for any student (who is a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen) planning to attend college, regardless of their or their family's financial background. The government and schools use this tool to decide who is eligible to receive which type of financial aid. Many students believe they don't qualify because their family's income is too high — this is a myth. It's recommended to fill out the form, as students may still be eligible for funding with different criteria.

When Is the Federal Deadline for FAFSA?

The federal deadline for filing FAFSA forms is before 11:59 p.m. CT on June 30, 2026, to be eligible for any aid within the following year. Any corrections or updates must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CT on Sept. 12, 2026. However, it's still important to apply as early as possible, as some aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

What Are the State Deadlines for FAFSA?

Each state sets its own deadlines for the FAFSA, and each has state-specific grants and scholarships with varying cut-off dates. For example:

• California: March 2, 2026
• Colorado: June 30, 2026; the state lottery closes Sept. 1, 2026
• Florida: May 15, 2026
• Mississippi: April 30, 2026 (HELP Grant) or Oct. 15, 2026 (MTAG and MESG Grants)
• Missouri: Feb. 2, 2026
• Oregon: Contact the state agency, and submit your forms as soon as possible. The deadline for OSAC Private Scholarships is March 1, 2026.
• Texas: Jan. 15, 2026

Find the state deadlines for all other states not mentioned here.

What Are the School Priority Deadlines for FAFSA?

There are no universal deadlines for FAFSA for schools or colleges. Instead, each college may have its own timeframes, in addition to those mentioned above. This date is usually earlier than the federal deadline, as this gives them time to process applications and distribute funds. Applicants should check with each specific school to confirm any earlier deadlines, especially if applying to multiple schools. Deadlines may be available on the school's website, but contacting them directly ensures the information is the most up to date.

As school funding is also first-come, first-served, many schools have priority deadlines. Targeting the priority application deadline and asking the school to clarify the cut-off date offers the best chances of receiving an ideal aid package. For example, the deadline could be the date the FAFSA form is processed or the date the school receives the completed FAFSA information.

What Happens if You Miss the FAFSA Deadline?

The FAFSA June 30, 2027 deadline for federal funding is nonnegotiable. After that date, students are no longer eligible to submit their FAFSA form or receive financial aid for that year. In some cases, students may be able to contact their specific school or college to explore alternative options.

Some states and schools offer aid for late submissions, such as institutional funding or a federal Pell grant. However, the aid available for that year may have already been allocated.

Who are FAFSA Contributors?

When completing the FAFSA, you’ll need information not only about yourself but also about certain individuals called contributors. A contributor is anyone whose financial information is required to determine your eligibility for aid. This can include:

• Your Spouse
  If you are currently married, your spouse’s financial details must be included.
• Parent 1
  If you are a dependent student, you’ll need information from one parent (usually the parent you lived with most during the past 12 months).
• Parent 2
  If your parent is currently married, you’ll also need financial details from their spouse (your stepparent).

Tip: Contributors will need to create their own FSA ID to securely provide their information. Make sure they’re prepared ahead of time to avoid delays.

Tips To Stay on Track for FAFSA Deadlines

Here are some tips to help students stay on track with FAFSA deadlines:

• Keep track of all key FAFSA dates (Oct. 1, the state's deadline, school deadlines, and the June 30 final deadline) on the calendar.
• Set regular reminders using a phone or diary for all three submission deadlines.
• Prepare early by gathering required documents using Concorde Career College's no-cost checklist. The documents include federal tax returns, W-2 forms, bank statements, and additional financial records.
• Create a student FSA ID.
• If applicable, contributor creates FSA ID.
• Submit the FAFSA form as soon as possible after Oct. 1.
• Double-check the submissions to prevent any mistakes that could delay or reduce financial aid.
• Avoid leaving any fields blank, as this can cause issues with the application. Instead, enter a "0" or "Not Applicable" if necessary.
• Communicate with parents or contributors early to ensure they have the necessary information to complete the form.
• Contact the school's financial aid office or utilize online resources for support throughout the process.
• Keep a copy of all submitted FAFSA forms and any correspondence for easy reference.

Submit the FAFSA Form Today: Earlier Is Better

The earlier the FAFSA form is filed, the better the applicant's chances of receiving the maximum financial aid. Don't wait until the last minute; the chances are that the budget will have been substantially allocated, and there will be less to go around. Plan to meet all deadlines and secure the best possible option. Download Concorde's no-cost FAFSA Checklist and speak with an admissions specialist to be prepared.