FAFSA Deadline 2027–28: Federal, State and College Dates
The 2027–28 FAFSA opened on . The federal deadline is at 11:59 p.m. Central time, but state and college deadlines are much earlier. File as soon as you can, and before your earliest state or college date.
The three FAFSA deadlines
Federal Student Aid says: Each college and career/trade school may have its own deadline." / "Each state has its own deadline.
So each student has three deadlines. The earliest one is the one that counts.
| Deadline | Who sets it | 2027–28 date |
|---|---|---|
| Federal | U.S. Department of Education | , 11:59 p.m. CT |
| State | Your state | Different in each state. See the table below. |
| College | Each college | Often January to March 2027. See the college's financial aid site. |
State deadlines for 2027–28
Five large states, from the Federal Student Aid state deadline list. Find all states on studentaid.gov.
| State | Deadline (official wording) |
|---|---|
| California | For most state financial aid programs, submit your FAFSA form no later than March 2, 2027 (date postmarked). Cal Grant requires submission of a school-certified GPA by March 2, 2027. For additional community college Cal Grants, submit your FAFSA form by Sept. 2, 2027 (date postmarked). |
| Texas | For priority consideration, submit your FAFSA form by Jan. 15, 2027. |
| Florida | Submit your FAFSA form by May 15, 2027 (date processed). |
| Illinois | For the Monetary Award Program, submit your FAFSA form as soon as possible after Oct. 1, 2026. Aid is awarded until all funds run out. |
| New York | Submit your FAFSA form by June 30, 2028, midnight Central time. You may need to complete and submit additional forms. |
College deadlines
Many private colleges ask for the FAFSA and the CSS Profile by the same date. For regular decision, these dates are often February 1 or February 15, 2027. Early applicants usually have a November date. Look up each college on its financial aid site and write the earliest date on your calendar.
Which FAFSA year to file
| You start or continue college in | File this FAFSA | Federal deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2027 (high school seniors now) | 2027–28 | |
| The 2026–27 school year (in college now) | 2026–27 |
What to do now
- Make the FSA IDs.
The student and each parent who must give information need their own FSA ID at studentaid.gov. - Find your earliest deadline.
Check your state's date above and each college's aid page. Use the earliest one. - Gather the documents.
The FAFSA uses the tax year two years before the school year: 2025 taxes for 2027–28. - Submit, then check.
After you submit, look for your FAFSA Submission Summary and fix any errors quickly. - Add the CSS Profile if needed.
Many private colleges also ask for it. See CSS Profile deadlines.
Questions families ask
When is the FAFSA due for 2027–28?
The federal deadline is 11:59 p.m. Central time on June 30, 2028. But that is the last day for federal aid only. Your state and your colleges set earlier deadlines, some as early as January 2027.
When did the 2027–28 FAFSA open?
The U.S. Department of Education opened the 2027–28 FAFSA on September 23, 2026.
Which FAFSA do I file for college starting in fall 2027?
The 2027–28 FAFSA. It covers the school year from July 1, 2027 to June 30, 2028.
Do I lose federal aid if I miss my state deadline?
No. Federal Student Aid says that missing a state deadline does not affect your eligibility for federal student aid. You can lose state aid, and some colleges give their own aid only to students who file by their deadline.
Related guides
Sources
- U.S. Department of Education checked November 4, 2026
- Federal Student Aid checked November 4, 2026
Colleges and agencies can change a date. Always check the official page before you submit.