FAFSA Deadline 2027-28: Federal, State and College Dates

The 2027-28 FAFSA opened on September 23, 2026. The federal deadline is June 30, 2028, but that is the last possible date, not the one that matters most: many states set earlier deadlines or give aid first come, first served, and colleges have their own dates. In 13 states the rule is "as soon as possible after October 1, 2026." File now if you can.

2027-28 FAFSA openedSeptember 232026
Federal deadlineJune 302028, 11:59 p.m. CT
Earliest fixed state dateJan. 152027, Texas priority
Uses tax year2025prior-prior year

Federal FAFSA deadlines

School yearSubmit the FAFSA byCorrections by
2027-28 (July 1, 2027 to June 30, 2028)June 30, 2028September 12, 2028
2026-27 (July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027)June 30, 2027September 11, 2027
11:59 p.m. Central time. 2026-27 dates from the Federal Register notice of June 22, 2026; 2027-28 dates from studentaid.gov and the official 2027-28 form (the 2027-28 Federal Register notice is not out yet).

Your college also needs your processed FAFSA while you are still enrolled; ask its financial aid office for its priority date, which is often in the winter or early spring.

FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)

StateState aid deadline
AlabamaNo state deadline: check with your school
AlaskaAs soon as possible after Oct. 1, 2026 (Education Grant); June 30, 2027 priority (Performance Scholarship)
ArizonaApril 1, 2027 priority (Arizona Promise)
ArkansasMarch 1, 2027 (Governor’s Scholars–Distinguished); July 1, 2027 (Academic Challenge, Future Grant fall)
CaliforniaMarch 2, 2027 (most state aid, Cal Grant); Sept. 2, 2027 for extra community college Cal Grants
ColoradoNo state deadline: check with your school
ConnecticutFeb. 15, 2027 priority
DelawareMay 15, 2027
District of ColumbiaJune 25, 2027 priority; DC Tuition Assistance Grant documents by July 1, 2027
FloridaMay 15, 2027 (date processed)
GeorgiaAs soon as possible after Oct. 1, 2026
HawaiiNo state deadline: check with your school
IdahoMarch 1, 2027 (Opportunity Scholarship)
IllinoisAs soon as possible after Oct. 1, 2026 (MAP grants run out)
IndianaApril 15, 2027
IowaJuly 1, 2027 (earlier for some programs)
KansasApril 1, 2027 priority
KentuckyAs soon as possible after Oct. 1, 2026 (until funds run out)
LouisianaFeb. 1, 2027 recommended; final July 1, 2028 for TOPS (studentaid.gov lists June 30, 2028)
MaineMay 1, 2027 (date received)
MarylandMarch 1, 2027 (date received)
MassachusettsMay 1, 2027 priority
MichiganJuly 1, 2027 priority
Minnesota30th day of the term (State Grant); June 1, 2027 priority (North Star Promise)
MississippiApril 30, 2027 (HELP Grant); Oct. 15, 2027 (MTAG, MESG)
MissouriFeb. 1, 2027 priority; final April 1, 2027
MontanaAs soon as possible after Oct. 1, 2026
NebraskaNo state deadline: check with your school
NevadaAs soon as possible after Oct. 1, 2026 (Silver State Grant); April 1, 2027 (Nevada Promise)
New HampshireNo state deadline: check with your school
New JerseyApril 15, 2027 (current TAG recipients); Sept. 15, 2027 (other applicants, full year)
New MexicoNo state deadline: priority dates vary by school
New YorkJune 30, 2028
North CarolinaAs soon as possible after Oct. 1, 2026 (private colleges); June 1, 2027 (UNC System, community colleges)
North DakotaAs soon as possible after Oct. 1, 2026
OhioOct. 1, 2027
OklahomaNo state deadline: check with your school
OregonAs soon as possible after Oct. 1, 2026 (Opportunity Grant); March 1, 2027 (OSAC scholarships)
PennsylvaniaMay 1, 2027 (most students); Aug. 1, 2027 (first-time students at community colleges and some other schools)
Rhode IslandNo state deadline: check with your school
South CarolinaAs soon as possible after Oct. 1, 2026 (need-based grants); Aug. 1, 2027 (SC Tuition Grants)
South DakotaNo state deadline: check with your school
TennesseeApril 1, 2027 (Tennessee Promise; state grant renewals); Sept. 1, 2027 (lottery programs, fall)
TexasJan. 15, 2027 priority
UtahSee the Opportunity Scholarship site; otherwise check with your school
VermontAs soon as possible after Oct. 1, 2026
VirginiaAs soon as possible after Oct. 1, 2026 (deadlines vary by school)
WashingtonAs soon as possible after Oct. 1, 2026
West VirginiaMarch 1, 2027 (PROMISE); April 15, 2027 (WV Higher Education Grant)
WisconsinNo state deadline: check with your school
WyomingNo state deadline: check with your school

Summary of the Department of Education's state list for 2027-28 (studentaid.gov, read October 22, 2026). "Priority" dates give you the best chance; aid may still be available later. Full official wording for each state is below; check your state agency for changes.

Official wording by state

Alabama

Contact Your Financial Aid Office: Check with the financial aid office at the college or career school you plan to attend for information on available state aid and deadlines. You may need to complete and submit forms in addition to the FAFSA form.

Alaska

Alaska Education Grant Apply using the FAFSA form as soon as possible after Oct. 1, 2026. Aid is awarded until all funds run out. Alaska Performance Scholarship For priority consideration, submit your FAFSA form by June 30, 2027. Aid is awarded until all funds run out.

Arizona

Arizona Promise Program For priority consideration, submit your FAFSA form by April 1, 2027.

Arkansas

Governor’s Scholars Program–Distinguished Submit your FAFSA form by March 1, 2027. Academic Challenge and Governor’s Scholars Program–Non-Distinguished Submit your FAFSA form by July 1, 2027. Arkansas Future Grant Grants are available for the fall and spring terms: For the fall term, submit your FAFSA form by July 1, 2027. For the spring term, submit your FAFSA form by Jan. 10, 2028.

California

State Financial Aid Programs For most state financial aid programs, submit your FAFSA form no later than March 2, 2027 (date postmarked). Cal Grant Cal Grant requires submission of a school-certified GPA by March 2, 2027. For additional community college Cal Grants, submit your FAFSA form by Sept. 2, 2027 (date postmarked). California Dream Act If you’re a noncitizen without a Social Security card issued through the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, fill out the California Dream Act Application at dream.csac.ca.gov. Contact the California Student Aid Commission at csac.ca.gov or your financial aid office for more information.

Colorado

Contact Your Financial Aid Office: Check with the financial aid office at the college or career school you plan to attend for information on available state aid and deadlines. You may need to complete and submit forms in addition to the FAFSA form.

Connecticut

Feb. 15, 2027 For priority consideration, submit your FAFSA form by Feb. 15, 2027, midnight Central time. Contact your state agency or the financial aid office at the college or career school you plan to attend for more information. You may need to complete and submit additional forms.

Delaware

May 15, 2027 Submit your FAFSA form by May 15, 2027, by midnight Central time.

District of Columbia

June 25, 2027 For priority consideration, submit your FAFSA form by June 25, 2027. DC Tuition Assistance Grant To receive priority consideration, complete the DC OneApp and submit supporting documents by July 1, 2027.

Florida

May 15, 2027 Submit your FAFSA form by May 15, 2027 (date processed). Check with the financial aid office at the college or career school you plan to attend for more information.

Georgia

ASAP After Oct. 1, 2026 Submit your FAFSA form as soon as possible after Oct. 1, 2026. Check with the financial aid office at the college or career school you plan to attend for more information. You may need to complete and submit additional forms. Visit GAfutures.org for additional information.

Hawaii

Contact Your Financial Aid Office: Check with the financial aid office at the college or career school you plan to attend for information on available state aid and deadlines. You may need to complete and submit forms in addition to the FAFSA form.

Idaho

Opportunity Scholarship Submit your FAFSA form by March 1, 2027, midnight Mountain time. You may need to complete and submit additional forms. Contact your state agency or the financial aid office at the college or career school you plan to attend for more information.

Illinois

ASAP After Oct. 1, 2026 For the Monetary Award Program, submit your FAFSA form as soon as possible after Oct. 1, 2026. Aid is awarded until all funds run out. Visit isac.org for more information.

Indiana

April 15, 2027 Submit your FAFSA form by April 15, 2027, for the following state aid programs: Adult Student Grant Workforce Ready Grant Frank O’Bannon Grant 21st Century Scholarship

Iowa

July 1, 2027 Submit your FAFSA form by July 1, 2027, midnight Central time. Earlier priority deadlines may exist for certain programs. Contact the financial aid office at the college or career school you plan to attend for more information. You may need to complete and submit additional forms.

Kansas

April 1, 2027 For priority consideration, submit your FAFSA form by April 1, 2027, midnight Central time. Contact your state agency or the financial aid office at the college or career school you plan to attend for more information. You may need to complete and submit additional forms.

Kentucky

ASAP After Oct. 1, 2026 Apply using the FAFSA form as soon as possible after Oct. 1, 2026. Aid is awarded until all funds run out.

Louisiana

June 30, 2028 Submit your FAFSA form by June 30, 2028. It is recommended that you submit your FAFSA form by Feb. 1, 2027.

Maine

May 1, 2027 Submit your FAFSA form by May 1, 2027 (date received).

Maryland

March 1, 2027 Submit your FAFSA form by March 1, 2027 (date received) for the Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Awards Program.

Massachusetts

May 1, 2027 For priority consideration, submit your FAFSA form by May 1, 2027, midnight Central time.

Michigan

July 1, 2027 For the Michigan Competitive Scholarship and Michigan Tuition Grant, submit your FAFSA form by July 1, 2027, midnight Central time for priority consideration.

Minnesota

State Grant Submit your FAFSA form by the 30th day of the term. North Star Promise Submit your FAFSA form by June 1, 2027, to meet the priority deadline. Other Aid Check with the financial aid office at the college or career school you plan to attend for information. You may need to complete and submit forms in addition to the FAFSA form.

Mississippi

HELP Grant Submit your FAFSA form no later than April 30, 2027, by midnight Central time (CT). MTAG and MESG Grants Submit your FAFSA form by Oct. 15, 2027, by midnight CT.

Missouri

Feb. 1, 2027 For priority consideration, submit your FAFSA form by Feb. 1, 2027. Applications are accepted through April 1, 2027, by midnight Central time.

Montana

ASAP After Oct. 1, 2026 For priority consideration, submit your FAFSA form as soon as possible after Oct. 1, 2026. Check with the financial aid office at the college or career school you plan to attend for more information. You may need to complete and submit additional forms.

Nebraska

Contact Your Financial Aid Office: Check with the financial aid office at the college or career school you plan to attend for information on available state aid and deadlines. You may need to complete and submit forms in addition to the FAFSA form.

Nevada

Silver State Opportunity Grant Submit your FAFSA form as soon as possible after Oct. 1, 2026. Grants are made until all funds run out. Nevada Promise Scholarship Submit your FAFSA form by April 1, 2027. You may need to complete and submit additional forms. Aid is awarded until all funds run out. Other Aid Check with the financial aid office at the college or career school you plan to attend for information. You may need to complete and submit forms in addition to the FAFSA form.

New Hampshire

Contact Your Financial Aid Office: Check with the financial aid office at the college or career school you plan to attend for information on available state aid and deadlines. You may need to complete and submit forms in addition to the FAFSA form.

New Jersey

2026–27 Tuition Aid Grant Recipients Submit your FAFSA form by April 15, 2027, 11 p.m. Central time (CT). Other Tuition Aid Grant Applicants If you’re applying for both the fall and spring terms, submit your FAFSA form by Sept. 15, 2027, 11 p.m. CT. If you’re applying for spring term only, submit your FAFSA form by Feb. 15, 2028, 11 p.m. CT.

New Mexico

Contact Your Financial Aid Office: Check with the financial aid office at the college or career school you plan to attend for information on available state aid and deadlines. Priority consideration varies by school. You may need to complete and submit forms in addition to the FAFSA form.

New York

June 30, 2028 Submit your FAFSA form by June 30, 2028, midnight Central time. You may need to complete and submit additional forms.

North Carolina

Deadlines by School Type For priority consideration, submit your FAFSA form by the date listed for the type of school you attend: Private Institutions: As soon as possible after Oct. 1, 2026 UNC System Institutions and Community Colleges: June 1, 2027 Aid is awarded until all funds run out. Visit CFNC.org for more information.

North Dakota

ASAP After Oct. 1, 2026 Submit your FAFSA form as soon as possible after Oct. 1, 2026. Aid is awarded until all funds run out.

Ohio

Oct. 1, 2027 Submit your FAFSA form by Oct. 1, 2027, by midnight Central times.

Oklahoma

Contact Your Financial Aid Office: Check with the financial aid office at the college or career school you plan to attend for information on available state aid and deadlines. You may need to complete and submit forms in addition to the FAFSA form.

Oregon

Oregon Grants For the Oregon Opportunity Grant, submit your FAFSA form or the Oregon Student Aid Application as soon as possible after Oct. 1, 2026. Grants are awarded until all funds run out. For the Oregon Promise Grant and other state grants, contact Oregon's Office of Student Access and Completion for information. You may need to complete and submit forms in addition to the FAFSA form. OSAC Private Scholarships Submit your FAFSA form by March 1, 2027. You may need to complete and submit additional forms.

Pennsylvania

May 1, 2027 Most students must apply using the FAFSA form by May 1, 2027. You may need to complete and submit additional forms. Aug. 1, 2027 The FAFSA form must be submitted by Aug. 1, 2027, for all first-time applicants enrolled in a community college, business school, trade or technical school, hospital school of nursing, designated Pennsylvania open-admission institution, or nontransferable two-year program.

Rhode Island

Contact Your Financial Aid Office: Check with the financial aid office at the college or career school you plan to attend for information on available state aid and deadlines. You may need to complete and submit forms in addition to the FAFSA form.

South Carolina

SC Commission on Higher Education Need-Based Grants Submit your FAFSA form as soon as possible after Oct. 1, 2026. Grants are first come, first served. Grants are made until all funds run out. SC Tuition Grants Submit your FAFSA form by Aug. 1, 2027, midnight Central time for independent institutions only in the state of South Carolina.

South Dakota

Contact Your Financial Aid Office: Check with the financial aid office at the college or career school you plan to attend for information on available state aid and deadlines. You may need to complete and submit forms in addition to the FAFSA form.

Tennessee

State Grant If you received the state grant during the 2026–27 school year, submit your FAFSA form by April 1, 2027. All other awards are made on a first come, first served basis. Grants are made until all funds run out. Tennessee Promise Submit your FAFSA form by April 1, 2027. State Lottery Programs For the fall term, submit your FAFSA form by Sept. 1, 2027, midnight Central time (CT). For the spring term, submit your FAFSA form by March 1, 2028, midnight CT. For the summer term, submit your FAFSA form by May 1, 2028, midnight CT.

Texas

Jan. 15, 2027 For priority consideration, submit your FAFSA form by Jan. 15, 2027. You may need to complete and submit additional forms. Private and two-year institutions may have different deadlines. Check with the financial aid office at the college or career school you plan to attend for information.

Utah

Opportunity Scholarship Visit opportunityscholarship.org for application information, including requirements and the FAFSA deadline. Contact Your Financial Aid Office: Check with the financial aid office at the college or career school you plan to attend for information on available state aid and deadlines. You may need to complete and submit forms in addition to the FAFSA form. Aid is awarded until all funds run out.

Vermont

ASAP After Oct. 1, 2026 Submit your FAFSA form as soon as possible after Oct. 1, 2026. You may need to complete and submit additional forms. Aid is awarded until all funds run out.

Virginia

ASAP After Oct. 1, 2026 Submit your FAFSA form as soon as possible after Oct. 1, 2026. Deadlines vary by institution. Contact the financial aid office at the college or career school you plan to attend for more information. Virginia Alternative State Aid Application Students who are ineligible for federal student aid but meet state financial aid program and residency requirements should complete the Virginia Alternative State Aid Application at levelupvirginia.org/finance/financial-aid/vasa-application. Contact the financial aid office at the college or career school you plan to attend for more information.

Washington

ASAP After Oct. 1, 2026 Submit your FAFSA form as soon as possible after Oct. 1, 2026. Contact the financial aid office at the college or career school you plan to attend for more information. Washington Application for State Financial Aid Students who are ineligible for federal student aid but meet state financial aid program and residency requirements should complete the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) at wsac.wa.gov/wasfa instead of the FAFSA form. Contact the Washington Student Achievement Council at wasfa@wsac.wa.gov or the financial aid office at the college or career school you plan to attend for more information.

West Virginia

PROMISE Scholarship Submit your FAFSA form by March 1, 2027. New applicants must complete and submit the additional form at cfwv.com. Contact your state agency or the financial aid office at the college or career school you plan to attend for more information. West Virginia State Grants For the WV Higher Education Grant, submit your FAFSA form by April 15, 2027. For the WV Invests Grant, submit your FAFSA form by April 15, 2027, to receive priority consideration. Applicants must complete an additional form at cfwv.com.

Wisconsin

Contact Your Financial Aid Office: Check with the financial aid office at the college or career school you plan to attend for information on available state aid and deadlines. You may need to complete and submit forms in addition to the FAFSA form.

Wyoming

Contact Your Financial Aid Office: Check with the financial aid office at the college or career school you plan to attend for information on available state aid and deadlines. You may need to complete and submit forms in addition to the FAFSA form.

What you need to file

  • A StudentAid.gov account (FSA ID) for you and for each contributor, such as a parent. Each person signs with their own account.
  • Your Social Security number, and your 2025 tax and income information (most of it is transferred from the IRS once you consent).
  • Your current savings, checking and investment balances, and the list of colleges you are considering.
  • Never pay to file: the FAFSA is free at studentaid.gov, and paid preparers are not allowed.

Grants first: see Pell Grant 2026-27 for who qualifies and how much you can get. If you will borrow, compare federal student loan interest rates, and see 529 plans for saving ahead.

FAQ

What is the FAFSA deadline for 2027-28?

The federal deadline is 11:59 p.m. Central time on June 30, 2028, and corrections must be in by September 12, 2028. State and college deadlines are much earlier: for example March 2, 2027 in California and a January 15, 2027 priority date in Texas.

What is the FAFSA deadline for 2026-27?

June 30, 2027, 11:59 p.m. Central time, with corrections by September 11, 2027 (Federal Register notice of June 22, 2026). Use the 2026-27 form for the school year that runs from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027.

When did the 2027-28 FAFSA open?

On September 23, 2026, the earliest launch in the program's history according to the Department of Education. The law requires it to open by October 1.

Which tax year does the 2027-28 FAFSA use?

2025 tax information (the "prior-prior" year). You and each contributor, such as a parent, must consent to having it transferred from the IRS; without that consent you cannot get federal aid.

Is it too late to file the FAFSA?

For federal aid such as Pell Grants and federal student loans, not until the June 30 federal deadline. State and college aid often has earlier deadlines or is given first come, first served until money runs out, so filing late can cost you those.

Sources

General information, not financial advice. Deadlines can change; confirm with your state agency and your college.