If you’re planning for college in 2026 or 2027, you’ve probably already heard the acronym that makes students nervous and parents sigh: FAFSA. But before you tune out, here’s the truth: filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid isn’t just another form. It’s the gateway to the largest pool of financial support available for college-bound students. Federal grants, work-study opportunities, low-interest loans and even state and school-specific aid all start with one step: submitting the FAFSA.

And, the current process looks completely different, in a good way. The U.S. Department of Education has rolled out what many are calling the “Better FAFSA,” a reimagined version designed for today’s reality: rising college costs, busy families and students juggling school, work and everything in between. The form is now simpler, faster and more transparent — many people can finish it in under 15 minutes.^{(See disclaimer 1)} Even more importantly, these changes are opening the door to an additional $1.8 billion in financial aid, helping over 610,000 more low-income students qualify for Pell Grants and allowing nearly 1.5 million more students to receive the maximum award.^{(See disclaimer 1,2,3)} In short, more students will have access to the full amount of aid they qualify for.

As you or your student navigate the path toward higher education, understanding the revamped FAFSA — and why it matters more than ever — can be the difference between viewing college as a financial burden or an achievable future. This blog will break down what’s new, why it’s important, and answer questions, such as What is the purpose of the FAFSA?, What is the FAFSA deadline? and What trends are shaping the financial aid landscape? so you can step into the process with confidence (and maybe even a little relief).

FAFSA stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It’s the form you complete to find out how much financial help you can get for college. The FAFSA determines your eligibility for grants, scholarships, work-study programs and low-interest federal loans, all designed to make higher education more affordable.

To complete the FAFSA, you’ll need:

• Your Social Security number
• Tax information (or your parents’ if you’re a dependent)
• Details about income and assets
• GCU’s school code “001074” (or the code of the college you’re applying to)

With college costs rising and the economy putting pressure on families, completing the FAFSA is one of the most important steps in accessing financial aid and maximizing available educational resources. GCU offers scholarships, grants and financial aid opportunities, including detailed support on all things FAFSA to guide you through the process and ensure you take full advantage of available aid. 

Before diving into the details, it’s important to know that FAFSA eligibility is broader than many students realize. Most U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens can apply, and financial need isn’t the only factor. If you’re planning for college in 2026 or 2027, recent updates may make it even easier for families to qualify.

The FAFSA is open to most students planning to attend college, but there are a few basic requirements:^{(See disclaimer 6)}

• Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen.
• Enrollment: You need to be enrolled or planning to enroll in an eligible college or career school program.
• Financial Need: Aid is based on your family’s income and assets, but don’t assume you won’t qualify — many families do.

The FAFSA process has been getting easier thanks to the FAFSA Simplification Act.^{(See disclaimer 5)} Income reporting is streamlined, and families no longer have to disclose certain assets like small businesses or family farms. This means less paperwork and a better chance to qualify for grants and scholarships. These changes can help families plan financially and reduce the need for student loans, something that matters more than ever as college costs rise and young people face a challenging economy.^{(See disclaimer 7)}

If you’ve been searching for answers to What is the FAFSA deadline?, you’re in the right place. Submitting your FAFSA on time is crucial to securing the maximum amount of financial aid possible. 

Here are the key dates for students heading to college in 2026 and 2027:^{(See disclaimer 8,9)}

With tuition and living expenses climbing, missing these deadlines may limit access to aid opportunities, some of which typically don’t need to be repaid. Keep in mind, each college and career/trade school may have its own deadline. Check with the school you’re interested in attending. Fill out your FAFSA today.

As the FAFSA continues to evolve, staying informed about upcoming changes is essential for students and families planning for college costs. The most recent updates introduce important adjustments that could impact eligibility, application processes and financial aid calculations. Here’s what you need to know to prepare.

Key changes for the 2026-27 FAFSA include:^{(See disclaimer 4,5)}

• Updated Student Aid Index (SAI) asset calculation: Certain assets will be excluded from the formula, making more students eligible for aid.
• Simplified contributor invite process: Students can more easily invite parents or spouses to complete their portion of the FAFSA.
• Real-time identity verification: Enhances security and streamlines the application process
• Enhanced virtual assistant: Offers more intelligent support for applicants navigating the form
• A beta launch of the new form
• A smarter virtual assistant
• Streamlined user interface for easier navigation

Some of these changes stem from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law on July 4, 2025, which mandates updates to federal student aid programs.^{(See disclaimer 5)}

Kick off your FAFSA process with confidence using these quick, up-to-date tips and best practices designed to help you navigate this year’s changes smoothly and avoid common delays.

• Start early: As FAFSA rules change, make sure to fill out the FAFSA as soon as the application opens, before critical deadlines.
• Terminology: “Expected Family Contribution (EFC)” has been replaced with Student Aid Index (SAI), and “contributors” are anyone required to provide financial information, including noncustodial parents in some cases.
• Foresight: Plan for repayment by using StudentLoans.gov tools before accepting loans, know your repayment options and aim to borrow only what you need.
• Preparation: Make sure to complete entrance counseling and the Master Promissory Note (MPN) before any federal loans can be disbursed.
• Disclosure: If you receive outside scholarships and/or grants (from community organizations, employers, etc.), be sure to report them to your student services counselor; they may adjust your GCU award package.

Filling out the FAFSA is one of the most important steps to getting financial aid — but small mistakes can delay or even reduce your aid. In today’s economy, every dollar counts. Avoiding these mistakes may ensure you get the help you need without unnecessary delays.

Here are the most common errors to watch for:

At GCU, we’re committed to guiding both students and their families through every step, from filling out the FAFSA to understanding your award letters and repayment options.

Here are some GCU-specific tools, resources and strategies that can help maximize your financial aid.

• GCU FAFSA school code: Use 001074 when completing the FAFSA so that your application is directed to GCU.
• Student portal finance hub: This allows students to view financial aid awards, check their semester ledger and make payments directly through CASHNet — all in one place.
• Net price calculator and cost estimators: These can help you estimate your cost of attendance (COA), which GCU uses when packaging financial aid.
• Financial aid office, student services counselors and free financial literacy program: These resources provide on-campus and online GCU students with personalized help on FAFSA, award letters, budgeting and loan guidance.

As FAFSA trends continue to evolve in 2026, staying informed and proactive is key to maximizing financial aid opportunities. At GCU, we’re committed to supporting students and families through every step of the process. Whether you’re navigating new FAFSA updates or exploring ways to make higher education more affordable, we offer comprehensive resources to guide you.