Filling out FAFSA forms just got easier. Here’s what’s new for 2027-28 – WTOP News
The U.S. Department of Education has announced the latest version of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA form, for the 2027-2028 academic year, which features a number of improvements to make it easier to fill out.
“The form this year is much easier to complete. It’s clearer; it’s been streamlined. It’ll take most families less than 15 minutes to complete,” Mark Kantrowitz, author of several books on paying for college, including one on filing the FAFSA, told WTOP.
“There is a new and improved contributor invitation process,” Kantrowitz added, referring to the section for parents or guardians. “You can even invite a contributor through a text message.”
The streamlining of the process includes getting quicker results on a completed application, Kantrowitz said.
“Most applicants will get real-time results, usually within 10 seconds,” he said. “Those results will include your student aid index or SAI, which measures your family’s financial strength, as well as the eligibility for the federal Pell Grant and federal student loans.”
Kantrowitz said there are some common mistakes that families make when starting the process of filing for financial aid.
“Parents have a tendency to underestimate eligibility for need-based financial aid and overestimate eligibility for merit-based financial aid,” he said.
He strongly recommends filling out the FAFSA, even for families who think they won’t qualify.
“You can’t get aid if you don’t apply, and the FAFSA is easy to complete. It doesn’t hurt, and it may get you access to financial aid,” he said.
Kantrowitz said that those who do not qualify for the federal Pell Grant could qualify for grants from the college or university or from states that provide grants.
“So it is definitely worthwhile to file the FAFSA,” he said.
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