FAFSA Deadline
This article explains the different types of FAFSA deadlines (federal, state, and school), the consequences of missing these deadlines, and how to check for your specific state and school deadlines. It also offers tips on how to complete your FAFSA early and avoid missing out on financial aid.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an essential step for students seeking financial aid to help pay for college. Completing the FAFSA allows you to apply for federal grants, work-study programs, loans, and even some state and institutional aid. Each year, millions of students rely on FAFSA to secure funding for their education, but it’s crucial to meet the specific deadlines to maximize the financial aid you can receive. The deadlines for the FAFSA vary depending on whether you’re looking at federal, state, or school deadlines, and missing any of these dates can result in lost opportunities for aid. For the 2024-2025 academic year, the FAFSA form becomes available on December 2023. Submitting the form as early as possible ensures you meet all relevant deadlines and have the best chance of securing financial aid. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the FAFSA deadlines and provide tips for staying on top of the process.
Federal FAFSA Deadline 2025
The federal deadline for submitting the FAFSA form is the same for all students across the country. For the 2024-2025 academic year, the FAFSA must be submitted by June 30, 2025. However, corrections or updates to your FAFSA can be made up until September 14, 2025.
While this might seem like plenty of time, it’s important to remember that federal financial aid is only one part of the picture. Many schools and states have much earlier deadlines, and financial aid is often awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Submitting your FAFSA as soon as possible after the application becomes available is crucial for maximizing your financial aid package.
State FAFSA Deadlines 2025
Here is a table of FAFSA deadlines by state to help you keep track of when you need to submit your application for state-based financial aid:
| State | FAFSA Deadline |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Check with your financial aid office (awards made until funds are depleted). |
| Alaska | Alaska Education Grant: June 30, 2024 (Priority Deadline: April 1, 2024). |
| Arizona | Check with your financial aid office (awards made until funds are depleted). |
| Arkansas | July 1, 2024 (Apply as soon as possible after October 1, 2023). |
| California | March 2, 2024 (Additional deadline for some community college students: September 2, 2024). |
| Colorado | Check with your financial aid office (awards made until funds are depleted). |
| Connecticut | February 15, 2024 (for Roberta B. Willis Scholarship Program). |
| Delaware | April 15, 2024. |
| Florida | May 15, 2024 (for state scholarship and grant programs). |
| Georgia | Check with your financial aid office (awards made until funds are depleted). |
| Hawaii | Check with your financial aid office (awards made until funds are depleted). |
| Idaho | March 1, 2024 (Priority date for Idaho Opportunity Scholarship). |
| Illinois | As soon as possible after October 1, 2023 (awards made until funds are depleted). |
| Indiana | April 15, 2024. |
| Iowa | July 1, 2024 (Priority deadline: March 1, 2024). |
| Kansas | April 1, 2024 (Priority deadline: apply as soon as possible after October 1, 2023). |
| Kentucky | As soon as possible after October 1, 2023 (awards made until funds are depleted). |
| Louisiana | July 1, 2024 (Priority deadline: May 1, 2024). |
| Maine | May 1, 2024. |
| Maryland | March 1, 2024. |
| Massachusetts | May 1, 2024. |
| Michigan | May 1, 2024. |
| Minnesota | 30 days after term starts. |
| Mississippi | March 31, 2024. |
| Missouri | April 1, 2024. |
| Montana | Check with your financial aid office (awards made until funds are depleted). |
| Nebraska | Check with your financial aid office (awards made until funds are depleted). |
| Nevada | Check with your financial aid office (awards made until funds are depleted). |
| New Hampshire | Check with your financial aid office (awards made until funds are depleted). |
| New Jersey | 2024-2025 Tuition Aid Grant: September 15, 2024 (Fall term); February 15, 2025 (Spring term). |
| New Mexico | Check with your financial aid office (awards made until funds are depleted). |
| New York | June 30, 2024. |
| North Carolina | As soon as possible after October 1, 2023 (awards made until funds are depleted). |
| North Dakota | Check with your financial aid office (awards made until funds are depleted). |
| Ohio | October 1, 2024. |
| Oklahoma | As soon as possible after October 1, 2023 (awards made until funds are depleted). |
| Oregon | As soon as possible after October 1, 2023 (awards made until funds are depleted). |
| Pennsylvania | May 1, 2024 (for all renewal applicants and state grant programs). |
| Rhode Island | March 1, 2024. |
| South Carolina | June 30, 2024 (Priority deadline: April 1, 2024). |
| South Dakota | Check with your financial aid office (awards made until funds are depleted). |
| Tennessee | March 1, 2024. |
| Texas | January 15, 2024 (Priority deadline). |
| Utah | Check with your financial aid office (awards made until funds are depleted). |
| Vermont | As soon as possible after October 1, 2023. |
| Virginia | Check with your financial aid office (awards made until funds are depleted). |
| Washington | As soon as possible after October 1, 2023 (awards made until funds are depleted). |
| West Virginia | April 15, 2024. |
| Wisconsin | As soon as possible after October 1, 2023 (awards made until funds are depleted). |
| Wyoming | Check with your financial aid office (awards made until funds are depleted). |
To find the deadline for your state, visit the FAFSA state deadline page or check with your state’s education department. Keep in mind that submitting the FAFSA early is essential for securing state aid, as many programs are on a first-come, first-served basis.
School FAFSA Deadlines
In addition to federal and state deadlines, individual colleges and universities often have their own FAFSA submission deadlines. These deadlines are typically much earlier than the federal deadline and are crucial for determining eligibility for institutional financial aid. Some schools require the FAFSA to be submitted in February or March, while others may have deadlines that align with the school’s admissions timeline.
To find out the specific FAFSA deadline for your school:
- Check the school’s financial aid website: Most colleges and universities will list their financial aid deadlines on their official website.
- Contact the financial aid office: If the information isn’t readily available online, you can reach out to the financial aid office directly for the deadline.
- Refer to your admissions package: Schools may provide a deadline in their admission or financial aid offer letters.
Failing to meet your school’s deadline could mean missing out on institutional aid like scholarships or grants provided directly by the college.
