The Department of Education announced this morning that the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now live on studentaid.gov and is the earliest rollout in the program’s history. By opening the application before the Oct. 1 deadline for the second consecutive year, the agency hopes to give families more time to plan for college costs.
Simplified form saves time for parents and students
Under Secretary for Higher Education Nicholas Kent told ABC News that the new FAFSA takes about 15 minutes to complete on average, a dramatic reduction from the hours or days many applicants previously spent. “We’ve simplified it,” Kent said. “Instead of it taking hours or even days to fill out, it takes 15 minutes on average.”
The redesign features clearer language, removal of confusing jargon, and a family‑friendly option that lets students invite a contributor via text or email. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon added that the changes were made “with students and families in mind,” emphasizing the administration’s commitment to making higher‑education financing more accessible.
Trump administration’s focus on college affordability
Kent highlighted that the current administration continues to prioritize policies that support families in choosing their educational futures. “We want students and families to be able to access this form, complete it easily, and get the financial aid that they need to get on with their lives,” he said.
Earlier this summer, the administration restructured the federal student‑loan system, tightening borrowing limits and reducing the number of repayment plans. While critics warn that some lower‑income borrowers may face higher monthly payments, the Department argues that the new limits, enacted under the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, curb excessive borrowing and encourage institutions to keep costs in check.
Broader context of college costs
A September 2025 Pew Research Center poll found that six in ten U.S. adults (60%) believe colleges and universities are doing a poor job of keeping tuition affordable. Although this single snapshot shows continued concern, it does not indicate a trend over time.
Higher‑education experts note that simplifying the FAFSA is only one piece of the affordability puzzle. Kyla Hurns, a policy analyst at The Education Trust, called the FAFSA “the gateway” to postsecondary education but warned that without Pell Grants keeping pace with inflation, many families will still struggle. “FAFSA allows us to talk about the conversation to maybe fund a portion of college, but it’s not funding all of the kids’ education anymore,” she said.
What families should do now
Officials urge families to complete the new FAFSA as soon as possible to maximize their eligibility for federal aid, including Pell Grants, which were expanded under the FAFSA Simplification Act of 2020 passed during President Donald Trump’s first term. “We don’t want students leaving money on the table,” Kent said. “There’s a lot of money out there in higher education. We want students to take advantage of it.”
With the form now live, students can begin the application process immediately, giving them a head start on securing the financial resources they need for the upcoming academic year.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
