FAFSA Season

The vast majority of college students—more than 85%—rely on financial aid to make higher education possible. At the center of that process is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This single application determines eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study, and is also used by many states and colleges to award scholarships and institutional aid. In short, completing the FAFSA is one of the most important steps in making college affordable.

The FAFSA for the 2026–27 academic year officially opens on October 1, 2025. Submitting the application early is strongly encouraged, since many aid programs distribute funds on a first-come, first-served basis.

What’s New with FAFSA This Year?

Over the past few years, FAFSA has undergone changes—some smooth, others more challenging. This year, the U.S. Department of Education is beta testing the system before the October 1 release to help ensure a more reliable rollout. Some students may even be invited to complete the form early as part of this test, though most will simply need to file once the form goes live in October.

Key updates include:

• Pell Grants remain fully funded with a maximum award of $7,395. These grants, which do not need to be repaid, help thousands of low-income students pay for tuition, fees, and other college costs.
• New Workforce Pell Grants will become available in July 2026 for short-term, career-focused programs in high-demand industries like healthcare and technology.
• Federal student loans remain unchanged, with subsidized and unsubsidized options available depending on student need and enrollment status.

How to Prepare Now

Students do not need to wait until October to get started. You can:

• Create an FSA ID at StudentAid.gov.
• Gather required documents, such as Social Security numbers, tax returns, and bank statements.
• Mark your calendar to complete the FAFSA as soon as it opens.

Support at Sumner College

At Sumner College, we know that navigating financial aid can feel overwhelming. Our Financial Aid Office is here to walk students through the FAFSA process, answer questions, and help maximize the financial resources available. By completing the FAFSA early, students position themselves for the best possible aid packages and can focus on what matters most—preparing for a successful career in healthcare.

If you’re considering nursing or allied health programs at Sumner College, don’t wait. Start preparing your FAFSA today so you can take advantage of every opportunity available.

 

Source: Schoolinks