College students can now begin the process of applying for financial aid to help cover college costs for the upcoming academic year. The 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) became available on November 21, offering a streamlined and mostly error-free application experience following last year's problematic rollout.
The federal government responded to previous issues by conducting beta testing with input from families and colleges. This resulted in 167,000 successful applications since October 1, as announced last week. Newark Public Schools students participated in this beta testing through coordination with their school district and the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority.
U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona stated, "I'm pleased to announce that after four successful rounds of beta testing, the 2025-26 FAFSA form is now available to all students and families." He added that FAFSA is crucial for college access and affordability.
High school graduates from 2025 onwards are required by law to submit the FAFSA or obtain a waiver signed by their guardians. This requirement was enacted under a law signed earlier this year by Governor Phil Murphy. The state has also implemented measures to assist schools in ensuring compliance with this mandate.
Margo Chaly, Executive Director of HESAA, emphasized the importance of completing the FAFSA: "Completing a financial aid application is the only way to access any federal or state aid a person is eligible to receive."
In New Jersey alone, over 11,840 FAFSAs have been submitted so far. Additional resources and support are provided through HESAA's website and customer service channels.
To accommodate an expected increase in inquiries, the federal government has expanded staffing at its Federal Student Aid Information Center and extended operating hours through March 2, 2025.
CNET.com highlighted past issues but encouraged applicants to take advantage of this year's improved form by preparing necessary documents such as tax returns from two years prior, current bank balances, net worth figures for investments or businesses, and child support records before beginning their application.
