WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Education has announced several advancements and strategic initiatives concerning the 2025–26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). Over 1.5 million applications have been successfully submitted since the form became widely available on November 21, and the Department has processed and forwarded 7 million student records to higher education institutions and states for financial aid packaging.
The launch followed nearly two months of extensive beta testing with input from 167,000 families and students, resulting in enhancements to accessibility and efficiency. Applications are now processed within one business day, and call center wait times have been reduced to under two minutes. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona emphasized the improvements, stating, “The steps we’ve taken to improve the system have created a smoother, more reliable experience for students and families.”
The Department also deployed updates to address usability issues, including simplifying the process for households with “married filing jointly” tax status. This reflects the administration’s commitment to ensuring a more seamless experience for applicants.
FAFSA Support Strategies
To further drive FAFSA completion, the Department is expanding support efforts. An additional $50 million in federal funds will be allocated to states, nonprofits, and educational organizations to promote FAFSA submissions for 2025–26. Additionally, $10 million will be directed to under-resourced higher education institutions to enhance their systems for processing applications and managing financial aid for students.
Under Secretary James Kvaal highlighted the critical role of financial aid supporters, stating, “This year, we want to make sure those helpers get resources so that students can take full advantage of the new FAFSA and get the aid they need to pay for college.”
The FAFSA Week of Action also mobilized educators, institutions, and community groups to assist students in navigating the application process. Events in states like North Carolina, Michigan, and Delaware demonstrated the nationwide effort to increase awareness and simplify access to higher education financing.
Leadership Enhancements
The Department has introduced permanent leadership roles to oversee FAFSA operations and technology. Aaron Lemon-Strauss has been named the FAFSA Program Executive Director, while Chris Cummings will serve as Acting Technology Advisor. The creation of these roles ensures sustained oversight of FAFSA management and builds upon the operational improvements achieved this year.
By modernizing systems, enhancing public support strategies, and ensuring leadership stability, the Department affirms its commitment to facilitating access to federal financial aid, enabling more students to pursue higher education.
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