WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Education has successfully processed over 8 million Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) forms for the 2025–26 academic cycle, marking a nearly 50% increase compared to the same period last year. This milestone comes as the Department addresses past challenges and implements significant reforms to enhance the FAFSA process for students, families, and educational institutions.
The announcement highlights a turnaround following the setbacks seen during the 2024–25 FAFSA rollout. Federal Student Aid (FSA), which manages the FAFSA process, is now focused on delivering a streamlined and reliable system. Thanks to updated procedures, most applicants are receiving their Institutional Student Information Records (ISIR) shortly after submitting their FAFSA forms. These records are critical for financial aid officers as they calculate aid packages for prospective students.
Acting Under Secretary James Bergeron emphasized the importance of these reforms in rebuilding confidence and ensuring that students have the tools and resources needed to pursue higher education.
“The Biden administration’s FAFSA failure affected hundreds of thousands of American families – not only forcing colleges and universities to push back their enrollment deadlines but leaving students in the dark about their future education,” Bergeron stated. “Under President Trump’s leadership, the FAFSA form is a priority and we are correcting course by implementing industry best practices, which has resulted in providing universities with accurate data, ensuring American students have access to the best tools and resources, all while cracking down on fraud.”
Enhancing the User Experience
The Department has introduced several user-focused upgrades to the FAFSA form to simplify the application process for students and parents. These changes aim to minimize confusion and reduce the administrative burden on colleges and universities. The enhancements address issues in accessibility and functionality, which had previously caused delays and errors in processing.
To further streamline operations, batch corrections for FAFSA forms are now fully available for the 2024–25 and 2025–26 cycles. The batch correction process, which underwent beta testing earlier this year, allows institutions to more efficiently update applicant information. This improvement significantly reduces the time school staff must dedicate to resolving inaccuracies, ensuring students receive timely aid determinations.
Combating Fraud and Abuse
One of the key priorities in this overhaul is an increased focus on preventing fraudulent activity within the FAFSA system. The Department has resumed flagging applications suspected of identity theft or other forms of misconduct. By targeting potentially fraudulent cases, the Department aims to uphold the integrity of the aid process and ensure that legitimate applicants receive their entitled support.
These measures reflect a broader commitment to safeguarding taxpayer dollars while addressing the needs of students and families.
Looking Ahead
With these improvements, the Department is not only addressing previous issues but also laying the groundwork for future successes. Efforts are already underway to prepare for the 2026–27 FAFSA cycle, with a focus on maintaining the streamlined application process and strengthening fraud prevention protocols.
The significant increase in FAFSA submissions signals growing public confidence in the Department’s management of the aid application process. The reforms introduced this year underscore an effort to provide equitable access to higher education resources while ensuring financial accountability.
The successful processing of over 8 million applications signifies an important milestone in the Department of Education’s efforts to reform and improve the FAFSA process. These changes are expected to significantly benefit students, families, and educational institutions in the years to come.
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