The Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) announced that the 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will open on December 1, 2024. This delay will allow for the 2025-26 FAFSA to be tested by select users beginning October 1, ensuring the application will be fully functional by December 1. FSA will release more information soon about how this testing period will work. The WASFA will follow a similar timeline regarding its opening.
During the delay, students and parents can still take their first step to filing a FASFA by creating their FSA ID. The 12th Year Campaign will be hosting virtual financial aid nights where students and parents can receive support creating their FSA ID. These free events will be held in English and Spanish and are open to all students. We have also created resources to support you with meeting Financial Aid Advising Day requirements during the delay. Join us this October for a webinar walk through of the resources WSAC has developed to support financial aid completion. More information will be shared in the coming weeks/months about these opportunities.
Aim Higher Washington’s financial aid virtual trainings will be offered again this fall. These free trainings cover financial aid basics, financial aid navigation, and support students experiencing foster care or unaccompanied homelessness. High school clock hours are available.
Catch us at The Washington Council’s fall counselor workshops this September where we will have more information and resources.
The Washington Student Achievement Council is here to support you and your students with their college-going and financial aid application efforts. Keep an eye on our updates page moving forward for the latest information. Thank you for all that you do to support students.
Sincerely,
The Washington Student Achievement Council Team
