Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) season has opened without much fanfare, with the Department of Education quietly opening the form to all applicants on Nov. 18.
The FAFSA is still in its beta testing phase, meaning there still could be issues or glitches with the form. However, it is open to everyone — not just a select few — ahead of its official start date on Dec. 1. It’s the actual form, meaning families can get a head start on the all-important financial aid process in November.
You can visit the FAFSA website here.
FAFSA season used to consistently begin on Oct. 1, but the form was overhauled last year, delaying the start until New Year’s Day. While the Department of Education still isn’t on its old schedule, the 2025-26 FAFSA is still opening significantly earlier than the last.
Linn-Benton Community College has a financial aid office which can be contacted here.
