The short version
- The FAFSA for a school year usually opens the autumn before.
- Schools and states often set earlier dates than the federal one.
- Grant funds usually go to the school first, then any remainder to the student.
The calendar in one paragraph
The FAFSA for a given school year generally becomes available in the autumn before that year starts. Students may file any time during the cycle, but many state and school programs use earlier dates.
Three kinds of deadline
- Federal: the latest date to submit for the year.
- State: set by each state agency, often much earlier.
- School: set by each college for its own programs.
When money arrives
Grants are usually paid to the school and applied to tuition and fees first. If anything is left, the school typically sends it to the student by its own schedule.
What to check each autumn
- Has my school published its priority date?
- Has my state published its date?
- Do I have my StudentAid.gov login ready?
Scholuva is an information website, not a school, college, lender, scholarship service, or government agency. It does not award or administer grants, take aid applications, offer or arrange loans, match you with schools or programs, or share your details with schools, lenders, or other partners. Nothing here is financial, legal, or admissions advice.