Education Department rolls out simplified FAFSA form ahead of schedule

The short version

• The Department of Education released the FAFSA form for the 2027-2028 academic year on September 23, 2026, marking its earliest rollout to date.[ABC News]
• Officials simplified the application with clearer language and contributor invites via text or email, estimating completion time at 15 minutes.[ABC News]
• The launch marks the second consecutive year the form was made available before the statutory October 1 deadline.[ABC News]
• Department leaders are urging students and families to apply early to secure available higher education funding.[ABC News]

Key facts

• The Department of Education made the 2027-2028 FAFSA form available on September 23, 2026, its earliest launch date ever.[ABC News]
• Under Secretary for Higher Education Nicholas Kent estimated that the redesigned form takes an average of 15 minutes to finish.[ABC News]
• The updated form includes clearer phrasing and permits applicants to invite contributors through text message or email.[ABC News]
• This represents the second straight year the agency opened the application before the October 1 mandate established under the FAFSA Simplification Act of 2020.[ABC News]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• 'We've simplified it': Education Dept. rolls out FAFSA form earlier than ever beforeABC News - Top Stories