In general, the amount of available aid is limited, so the best time to apply for it is as soon as possible.

 

The FAFSA application can be filed with the Department of Education anytime after October 1, 2021.

 

It is important to note that each academic year has its own FAFSA application. The academic year most commonly runs for 10 months from August to May. The FAFSA application window for that academic year however runs from the October 1st preceding the academic year to the June 30th following the academic year. For example:

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• The FAFSA for the 2021-22 academic year can be filed from October 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022.

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It is also important to note that the FAFSA application is used to apply for federal, state, and college-sponsored aid, however each aid program may have its own deadlines. The dates above are the federal aid filing deadlines. State aid program deadlines are often sooner than the federal deadline. However, residents of any state can still file a FAFSA after their state deadline to apply for federal aid.