This article has been updated to reflect 2026 data and recent developments.
The deadlines for submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) vary, and colleges across the country are offering assistance with financial aid paperwork. This basic form, which is the first step in gaining grants or loans from the federal government, has helped many students pay for the rising costs of higher education. For those with questions about the FAFSA, answers may be as close as their local community college.
What is FAFSA?
The FAFSA is the first step in the financial aid process for students looking for federal or state assistance. According to a report at the Rhode Show, this mother of all financial aid forms allows the federal government to determine a student’s eligibility for financial aid. The states also use the paperwork to determine whether students qualify for loans or grants at the state level. Colleges and universities use the information on the FAFSA to get an idea of just how much financial aid a student might need to attend a specific school.
The FAFSA opens the door to a variety of financial aid options, including the popular Stafford loans, now known as Direct Subsidized and Direct Unsubsidized Loans, and graduate PLUS loans for eligible borrowers under applicable federal rules. Student loans like these are preferable to private loans for most students because they come with federal borrower protections and benefits. One of the most attractive features of some of these loans is an income-driven repayment plan that allows students to pay off balances in increments based on their income once they graduate from college, subject to current eligibility requirements.
For the 2026–27 academic year, the federal FAFSA deadline is June 30, 2027, although state and college deadlines may be earlier, according to Federal Student Aid.
Low Participation in FAFSA, Despite Benefits
Despite the many potential benefits of financial aid, universities and community colleges agree that not nearly enough students take the time to complete the FAFSA each year. The President’s Council on Financial Capability reported in an earlier study that two-thirds of students who take out private loans to foot the bill for higher education never exhaust their financial aid options first. It is no wonder that institutions of higher education across the country put in a push to get more FAFSAs submitted each year.
One reason for the low application rate is that many students believe their families make too much money to qualify for any sort of financial aid. However, the Sallie Mae website previously stated, “No matter how much your family earns and how substantial your assets, you qualify for an unsubsidized Stafford loan.” While students with parents who make above a certain threshold may not qualify for all types of financial aid, there are still some products they could be eligible for, subject to federal eligibility requirements.
Mary Crowe, Assistant Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships at Elgin Community College, told the Elgin Courier-News, “We really advocate for [Elgin students] to [fill out the FAFSA], even if they don’t think they’ll qualify or get money.” Crowe explained that about 54 percent of students at her school received some sort of financial aid at the time, which amounted to more than 6,000 students on their campus.
Another problem is that completion of the FAFSA is perceived as a major headache for students and their parents. The form requires a substantial amount of financial information and can be nearly as confusing as a tax return to decipher. However, there is plenty of help for completing the form online, and workshops available through community colleges to help parents and students make sense of the paperwork. While some of the workshops have already occurred, others are still to come on college calendars, giving students additional opportunities to learn more about how to use financial aid to their advantage.
Ivy Tech Offers Financial Aid Assistance
In Ivy Tech Community College’s home state of Indiana, the deadline for submitting FAFSA paperwork was March 10 at the time of the original report. Until that date, the community college did everything it could to help students get the financial aid they desperately needed and qualified for. That week, Ivy Tech hosted a financial aid workshop, featuring a financial aid expert who was on hand to answer questions and guide students through the application process. According to a report at the Greencastle Banner-Graphic, the workshop was held on the college’s campus, from 4:30 to 6 in the evening.
Ivy Tech encouraged students to meet the March 10 deadline when they could, since earlier FAFSA submissions tended to receive greater amounts of financial aid. Students 23 and younger were asked to attend the workshop with their parents, while students 24 and older could attend solo. According to financial aid guidelines, 24 is generally the age when a student is considered financially independent and can apply for aid based on their own financial information, although other circumstances may also establish independence. Attendees were asked to bring 2011 tax returns, W-2 forms, and income information.
In 2026, students should consult Ivy Tech for current FAFSA assistance, application deadlines, and required financial documents.
Other Schools Offering Free Help
Salem Community College, Elgin Community College, and Northwest Iowa Community College have also offered free assistance through workshops and open houses during the busy FAFSA time. According to NJ.com, Salem Community College hosted one workshop in February 2012, with two more scheduled for March to discuss financial aid options and offer assistance with completing FAFSA paperwork.
Elgin Community College hosted open houses for students interested in applying for financial aid through June. The school provided financial aid professionals during those events to answer questions and offer guidance on application completion. Northwest Iowa Community College hosted its Financial Aid Assistance Night earlier that month, with free information and advice from financial aid experts, according to BrandonInfo.com.
Students seeking assistance in 2026 should check with their community colleges for current workshop schedules and application deadlines.
This video from the College of Saint Rose offers help with completing your FAFSA application.
Financial aid is a necessary part of the college experience for many students today. With the new school year approaching, now is the time to get financial ducks in a row and find out what sort of federal and state assistance you can qualify for.
