States, schools, and the federal government have their own financial aid deadlines, so you should apply by the first relevant deadline for you. You can find state deadlines here.
Also, note that financial aid can be limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s best to submit the FAFSA® form as soon as possible after it opens.
If you’re applying for aid for attending college in 2026-2027, the FAFSA® opens by October 1, 2025. The sooner you complete the FAFSA®, the more aid you could be eligible for.
But don’t stress out if you’re late. The FAFSA® gives you a full 18 months to file. That means students who start college in the fall of 2026 can start filing in October 2025 but may still file the FAFSA® as late as June 30, 2027. In that case, students just receive federal grants or loans retroactively.