The FAFSA is Now Open & Accepting Applications

For the first time in over two years, the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) opened on schedule. Students can now file for the 2026–2027 school year.

What Does This Mean for You?

FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid—and it’s your gateway to more than just federal and state grants. It also gives students access to federal student loans and can even open the door to scholarships from colleges and other organizations.

One myth we hear all the time at the Youth and College Team is: "My family makes too much money, so I won’t qualify." That’s false. Regardless of your household income, everyone is eligible for federal student loans. That’s why it’s so important to file. Filing your FAFSA doesn’t just maximize your financial aid options—it’s also a graduation requirement for high school seniors in Indiana. That alone shows how essential it is!

Getting Started

Before you can complete the FAFSA, both the student and a parent/guardian will need to create an FSA ID. This serves as your digital signature and gives you access to federal student aid systems. Need help creating one? Check out our FSA ID blog here for a step-by-step guide.

Although the Department of Education is working to remove the 1–3 business day verification wait time, we still recommend giving yourself that buffer. Taking this extra step now helps ensure your FAFSA process goes as smoothly as possible. Once your FSA ID is verified and the application opens, make sure you’re filling out the correct form: the 2026-2027 FAFSA.

Documents & Info You'll Need:

—FSA IDs
—Driver’s License (if applicable)
—Social Security Number
—2024 Tax Returns and/or W2s
—Bank & Investment Statements

Need help or have questions? Our Youth and College Support team is here to support! You can reach us at college@trfcu.org or 260.399.8265.