Your guide to financial aid for higher ed 

Whether you’re just starting college, returning after some time away or continuing your education as an adult learner, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid – known widely as the FAFSA form – is your main gateway to grants, scholarships, work-study funds and loans. 

It’s not too late to submit it for this school year – and it’s almost time to start thinking about it for next year.

Key changes to the FAFSA

Last year’s FAFSA included delays and technical hiccups that left many students feeling unsure of when and how to submit. But changes were made to streamline the form, expand access to aid and make financial need calculations more accurate.

One of the biggest shifts was replacing the Expected Family Contribution with a new metric called the Student Aid Index (SAI). The SAI is intended to better reflect a student’s ability to pay and, in many cases, increases eligibility for federal aid. At UW–Madison, this change has contributed to more students qualifying for the Federal Pell Grant, a crucial resource for low- and moderate-income students.

“Most of the FAFSA quirks and kinks have been corrected, and students can now complete it in record time,” said Karla Weber Wandel, communications manager for the Office of Student Financial Aid at UW–Madison. 

Tips for a smooth application process

FAFSA.gov states that it takes most people 30 minutes to fill out the form, including gathering any personal documents and financial information needed to complete it. You’ll need a verified account username and password at the website; parent or spouse contributor’s email address; parent or spouse contributor’s name, date of birth and social security number; and income and asset information.

Make sure you read questions carefully to avoid common mistakes. Even small errors can cause your application to be delayed or rejected. Double-check your work.

The FAFSA website offers a range of support, including video tutorials, calculators to estimate monthly student loan payments and resources for nontraditional students, such as an Adult Student Checklist.

Important deadlines

There’s still time to complete the FAFSA for the upcoming 2025–26 school year. “If you’re not sure where you are in the process, or you’re still waiting for information, reach out to your school’s financial aid office,” Weber Wandel advised.

The 2026–27 FAFSA will be available on October 1 at fafsa.gov, and students planning to enroll should submit it as early as possible. Information on the form is not only used for federal aid, but also to apply for aid from states, colleges and career or trade schools. Some of this aid is on a first-come, first-served basis, so early submission could be key.

At UW–Madison, the priority FAFSA deadline of December 1 will be reinstated for 2026–27. Other schools may have different deadlines, so check with your financial aid office. Don’t forget, you’ll complete a FAFSA form for every year you plan to attend school to be eligible for student aid.

Financial aid can make the difference between delaying your education and moving forward. Understanding the new FAFSA process – and acting early — can help adult and returning students secure the resources they need to succeed.