WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – The House overwhelmingly passed legislation that would require the FAFSA application to be released and fully operational by Oct. 1.
The FAFSA Deadline Act aims to give students and schools more time and clarity to complete the form required for federal student aid when applying to colleges and universities. The current law requires FAFSA to be made available by Jan. 1, though it is usually available in October.
“This bill ends the needless confusion. It says that future administrators won’t be able to move goalposts, or let the deadline slip through their fingers,” Rep. Burgess Owens (R-Utah.) said on the House floor.
The legislation was introduced following a botched rollout of the Department of Education’s new FAFSA form last enrollment cycle. The form was significantly delayed, causing massive burdens on schools and hindering students’ ability to apply for financial aid.
“The Education Department’s dysfunction means 430,000 fewer students filed FAFSA this year,” Owens said.
The legislation also had broad support among Democrats in the House.
“This bill is about improving the process going forward,” Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Va.) said. “I believe it strikes the right balance between setting a clear deadline and providing the flexibility for the Department of Education to fix any lingering issues.”
The legislation still needs to pass the Senate.
The Department of Education has been slowly rolling out the 2025-26 FAFSA form. The agency said it is preparing to officially launch the form no later than Dec. 1.
