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[FAFSA®] Do I need to be admitted to a college before I can apply for financial aid at a particular university?

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Written by Eleanna Garcia
Updated this week

No, you can apply for the FAFSA® even before your college list is finalized. You can apply for financial aid any time after the FAFSA® form opens in the preceding school year.

For example, for the 2025-2026 academic year, the FAFSA® opened at the end of November 2024 (the Fall/Winter of the previous 2025-2026 academic year).

You’ll just need to include a list of schools that you are considering applying for (or attending). You can even edit this list later on if you change your mind.

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