FAFSA for 2026-2027 Is Now Live: File Early and Don’t Leave Money on the Table

FAFSA for 2026-2027 Is Now Live: File Early and Don't Leave Money on the Table

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) has opened ahead of schedule for the 2026-2027 academic year and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is encouraging all current and incoming students to file their application early in order to maximize potential financial aid and not miss out on time-sensitive funding.

The FAFSA determines federal, state, and institutional aid eligibility, and timing is important depending on the type of financial aid that a student hopes to receive. Students across the United States file the FAFSA every year to take advantage of funding that does not have to be repaid like federal grants, work study positions, and other need-based aid. State-funded awards like the Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP) draw information from the FAFSA to determine eligibility. Waiting to file can have negative consequences.

"I strongly encourage students to complete [the FAFSA] as soon as possible," says Don Pulliam, MBA, Director of Financial Aid at SIUE. "In Illinois, many state grant programs, such as the MAP Grant, award funds on a first-come, first-served basis until they are fully allocated. Submitting your FAFSA early makes sure you are considered for the most aid available."

In past years, the MAP Grant has run out of funding well before they have finished reviewing all applications submitted. This means that families who wait to file their FAFSA may miss out on crucial funding, even if they are otherwise eligible for this award. Pulliam urges students to file their FAFSA, "even if you are uncertain about your plans, filing early keeps all your financial aid options open and gives you a better idea of the resources you'll have to support your education."

Filing the FAFSA is always free and can be completed at studentaid.gov. Students will need their FSA ID, social security number, and 2024 federal tax information to complete the form. Students who are considered dependent by federal standards will also need to have their parents' information to file. Students are encouraged to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool if they are eligible to import verified tax information directly into the FAFSA instead of having to enter it manually.

Conversations about funding and how to pay for college can be difficult. Filing the FAFSA is a central step toward determining eligibility and making sure that students are not leaving free resources like grants and scholarships out of their calculations.

The Financial Aid Office at SIUE is available to speak with students who have questions about the FAFSA and their financial aid eligibility. For more information, visit the SIUE Financial Aid Official website or call 618-650-3880 to speak with a representative.

PHOTO: Southern Illinois University Edwardsville campus