"DeBaun pointed to several reasons for the jump. For one thing, the form opened early this year-in September instead of December, as it has the past two cycles-giving students more time to complete it. In addition, the much-hyped FAFSA simplification has finally taken root, making the form easier for families to navigate, and college counselors and other access professionals have three years' worth of experience in guiding them. It also helps that nine states now have universal FAFSA completion policies, making completion a requirement for graduation, DeBaun noted."
A record share of the high school Class of 2026 completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, reaching 54.7% by May 1. The rate increased from 53.9% last year and 47.3% in 2024, when rollout problems caused delays. The class completed the form nearly two months ahead of the June 30 measurement deadline. By the end of next month, the national completion rate could exceed 60%. California, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee, and Texas already met or surpassed 60% by May 1. Every state reported more completions than in 2025, with Alaska, Arizona, Florida, and New Mexico increasing by at least 20%. Reasons include earlier form opening in September, FAFSA simplification making the form easier, increased guidance experience, and universal completion policies in nine states.
Read at Inside Higher Ed | Higher Education News, Events and Jobs
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