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We will continue to keep you up to date with all the latest information regarding FAFSA, as information from the Department of Education comes in. We have provided help for families here in WNY for years, and have been at the forefront of the changes to FAFSA over the last few years. Today on the blog we wanted to cover a bit more information regarding the recent developments and outlook for this year's 2025-26 FAFSA.
Here's What We Know
In an effort to avoid what happened last year, the DOE is starting out the initial phase of a "soft launch" of the new FAFSA to be a "beta test." This means a small selection of individuals and organizations will each test their subsequent side of the new platform, in order to uncover any potential issues ahead of the full release to the nation.
So long as everything goes according to plan, all beta tests are passed, and any problems are fixed, the formal launch of the 2025-26 launch is planned for December 1st.
2025-26 FAFSA Betas 2-4 Interest Form
As of a September 11th press release, the 2025-26 FAFSA Betas 2-4 program has been released for organizations to be able to submit to participate in testing the new system. This means high schools, colleges, county or state organizations, and community-based organizations (CBOs) can apply to participate in testing the system beginning in mid-October. Following Beta 2 will be Beta 3 in November, and Beta 4 in mid-November.
The first stage, Beta 1, features a smaller number of CBOs that can recruit students to participate in an in-person FAFSA completion process, who likely are applying to the same institution of higher education, which will download and test the students' ISIR data. Beta 2-4 begins testing the systems at a larger scale and to a greater variety of institutions.
The goal is to reach 1,000 students in Beta 2, and over 10,000 students in Betas 3 and 4.
The Process Is Moving Along
The advance into Beta 2-4 means that we are seeing the intended timetable move along at its intended pace, which is somewhat comforting given what happened during last year's launch of the new FAFSA. Those involved in Beta 2 Test Groups should be notified by September 24th, and the testing for those groups will begin in mid-October.
Group Name | Selection Date | Testing Dates |
Beta Test Group 2 | 9/24 | Mid-October |
Beta Test Group 3 | TBD | Early November |
Beta Test Group 4 | TBD | Mid-November |
What You Need to Know
It's important to remember that the "Simplified" FAFSA requires any contributor to have an FSA ID to participate in submitting a FAFSA. This means students can't just have their parents do it all for them anymore. We can help you better understand this process, just give us a call or fill out our contact form. Dependent students will need to initiate the FAFSA process. In the event that parents file their taxes 'married and separate,' each parent will need their own FSA ID. Those parents who file jointly and are married will only need one FSA ID because both parents' information is already linked to a tax return.
For the 2025-26 FAFSA, the tax information will be the 2023 tax return data.
Things are looking a bit more clear than last year, which gives confidence that the December 1 date should be realistic so far.
Everyone should fill out the FAFSA. Anyone who needs financial aid is required to fill it out, but even if you don't need financial aid, or may not qualify, it helps to prove that you can pay and this may assist with admission into more competitive schools.
You Are Not Alone
When it comes to financial aid forms, especially right now, things can get complicated and frustrating. We are here for you! We have experience handling the FAFSA before and after the Simplification process, and we understand your frustration. If you or someone you know feels they may need a hand to better understand the process, feel free to give us a call or fill out our contact form!