Financial aid experts are reporting a smooth start to the new federal student aid filing period for the 2025-2026 academic year. Despite concerns about potential delays and glitches, the process has been working as intended, with no significant issues reported so far. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) officially launched on Nov. 21, and more than 167,000 students have already submitted their applications, with no reported problems accessing or submitting information.
Changes made to the FAFSA form last year caused delays and glitches, but this cycle appears to be running more smoothly. Financial aid officials are seeing increased participation in college readiness programs, signaling a return to normalcy after the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Students and families are also experiencing a more straightforward filing process, with no major changes to the form this year.
Overall, the smoother start to the FAFSA cycle is benefiting students, families, and financial aid experts alike, reducing stress and anxiety associated with the application process. The positive feedback from this year’s filing period is a welcome change from the challenges faced in the past.
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