It’s Not Too Late to Submit a FAFSA for the 2025-26 Academic Year

Forgot to complete your 2025-26 FAFSA? It happens. Even the best of us overlooks things. If you are still fretting about your account balance for the fall semester, there’s still time to complete a 2025-26 FAFSA on www.studentaid.gov.

One of the common misconceptions about the FAFSA form is that you cannot submit one after an academic year begins. This premise is simply false. You still have a chance to receive federal student aid funding, even if you may not receive institutional aid that requires a completed FAFSA by a specific date. So, there’s no need to worry. You’re not too late.

When a student completes a FAFSA, the Financial Aid Office will review the student’s FAFSA to determine their eligibility for federal student aid. This funding does not disappear even after the academic year begins. So, if you think you are eligible for a need-based grant, such as a Pell Grant award, or would like to see your federal student loan eligibility, now is the time to submit your 2025-26 FAFSA before the fall semester dwindles away.

There are a few things to remember when submitting the FAFSA this late in the cycle. First, the FAFSA applicant must get the ball moving sooner rather than later. Waiting too long in the semester can create additional headaches, such as delayed disbursements or a restriction on the amount of federal student aid the applicant can receive. Statutory limits apply to making a late payment to a student’s account, especially after the semester.

Second, clear communication between you and the Financial Aid Office is vital. By alerting the Financial Aid Office about your recently submitted FAFSA form, you can take ownership of getting your federal student aid funding on your account sooner. This way, you’re in control of the process.

Finally, the Financial Aid Office may not award you all your federal student aid. If you complete FAFSA after the end of the fall semester, you may not be able to receive a refund from your federal student loans. The College’s census data will also dictate your enrollment status and the financial aid you can receive. Chatting with a financial aid counselor can clear up any ambiguities regarding your financial aid package.

Spooky season is here, but don’t let this time of year prevent you from submitting the FAFSA. If you need assistance completing the current year FAFSA, please get in touch with the Financial Aid Office. They’re here to help and will be happy to assist you with that not-too-scary endeavor.