The Free Application for Federal Student Aid for the 2026–2027 school year opened Oct. 1, giving students another chance to secure grants, loans and scholarships to help fund their college education
FAFSA is the key for students to receive federal financial aid to help fund their college careers. The application is meant for students and colleges to see how much aid or loan amount one may be able to receive based on their prior-prior tax years. Whether the student thinks he or she will receive aid, it is highly encouraged for them to complete the application. Some scholarships may require a student to have the application done in order to receive it.
Those who may need help are able to use the FAFSA website to help them. There are multiple ways to get information and help when it comes to filling out the application. On the StudentAid.gov website, there is a help center and multiple tabs within the site to get information about the application and certain aid. For example, the site explains what the Pell Grant is and different loan options as well. During the application process, there is a chatbot within the site that can help guide students and parents during, before and after the process.
On the USM Financial Aid website, there are multiple how-to videos that can help students through FASFA. Students can call or schedule appointments for help with the FAFSA application. There are links for steps, help and more that is provided for students to use.
Director of Financial Aid David Williamson explained that for Mississippi residents, there is another resource that is provided for them.
“If you’re a Mississippi resident, there is a cool foundation in Mississippi that helps Mississippi residents for free fill out their Fasfa,” said Williamson. “They can log in and talk to them. It is GetToCollege.org. It’s a foundation that’s designed just to help Mississippi residents get to college.”
The website shows students what FAFSA is, understanding what it is, how to complete it and what you need in order to get started. Current and future students can visit https://get2college.org/fafsa-federal-aid/ to get help with their FAFSA applications.
Williamson highly encourages those to apply for FAFSA as early as possible, so students can get more options.