The 2026–27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form is now available, released nearly a week ahead of its previously scheduled October 1 launch, according to the U.S. Department of Education. The Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD) advises students and families to submit the FAFSA by February 2, 2026, to be considered for the widest range of financial aid opportunities.
Missouri is offering an incentive for students who submit the FAFSA early, including eligibility for the Access Missouri program, a need-based grant that supported over 44,000 students in fiscal year 2025. In total, the state distributed $163 million in financial aid last year, assisting nearly 66,000 students. To be considered for these funds, students must submit the FAFSA by the February 2, 2026 deadline. According to Dr. Bennett Boggs, Commissioner of the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development, completing the FAFSA is a key initial step in accessing financial aid options such as grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans.
To complete the FAFSA, applicants will need their 2024 tax information and must determine whether they qualify as independent or dependent students. Dependent students will also need to identify a parent or contributor to include in the application. The FAFSA is free, typically takes less than an hour to complete, and allows students to list any schools they are considering. Filing is recommended even for students who have not yet finalized their postsecondary plans, as it provides access to a wide range of financial aid options.
For those who find the FAFSA process challenging, the MDHEWD is offering support through in-person events at Missouri Job Centers, colleges, and libraries, as well as virtual office hours for those who prefer online assistance or are unable to attend in person. Students can email [email protected] for virtual help or visit the Public FAFSA Frenzy events calendar to find local events.
