Each year, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, better known as the FAFSA, opens Oct. 1.
Students seeking federal financial aid have until June 30 — around a year and a half after the FAFSA open date — to submit the form. Those who fail to file before the end of June will be ineligible to receive federal, state, and institutional aid for that FAFSA's academic year.
In addition to the federal deadline, students should be aware of state and institutional deadlines. States and schools run their own financial aid programs, which usually have deadlines much earlier than June 30.
With multiple deadlines to keep track of, navigating the U.S. financial aid system can be challenging. This guide will cover everything you need to know to submit the FAFSA on time and increase your chances of receiving aid for the 2023-24 school year.
