Important Information & Updates
2025-2026 FAFSA available during expanded Beta Testing
Since October 1st, the 2025-2026 FAFSA form has been available to individuals selected to participate in a limited beta release. The 2025-2026 FAFSA form is available to all students and their contributors during the expanded beta testing period.
What is beta testing?
A "beta" is an early release of a technology product. Beta releases made the FAFSA available to a limited number of users before releasing it to all students. This practice enables Federal Student Aid (FSA) to find and resolve errors that could complicate the FAFSA process for students and their families.
Prepare to Fill Out the 2025-2026 FAFSA
Before you start your FAFSA form, here are some ways to get ready:
- Create your studentaid.gov account (if you don't already have one)
- Learn about the documents you may need to fill out the FAFSA form
- Determine your dependency status and whether your parent(s) or spouse will be required to contribute information on your FAFSA form
- If you're a dependent student, use the Who's My FAFSA Parent? wizard to identify which parent(s) will be a required contributor on your form
Why did the FAFSA change?
On Dec. 27, 2020, Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act. The law includes provisions that amend the Fostering Undergraduate Talent by Unlocking Resources for Education (FUTURE) Act and includes the FAFSA Simplification Act—a sweeping redesign of the processes and systems used to award federal student aid. Specifically, the law makes it easier for students and families to complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form and expands access to federal student aid.
What changed?
- Choose question
Disclaimer
PGCC’s Student Financial Aid Office is dedicated to providing timely updates to students, families, and our community. Due to the significant amount of changes that are occurring, portions of our website may not be 100% accurate for the 2025-2026 academic year. We will continue to update this page as we receive information from the Department of Education and Federal Student Aid. Your patience is appreciated as we work to implement the FAFSA Simplification Act changes.