Paying for college in the US isn’t cheap. And for most students, financial aid makes the difference between “possible” and “out of reach.” That’s where the FAFSA comes in. The FAFSA for 2025–26 is your key to get federal grants, low-interest loans, and work-study opportunities. That too for the school year starting in fall 2025. 

But here’s the part many students miss: your FAFSA info isn’t just used by the federal government. States and even individual colleges rely on it to hand out their own scholarships and aid packages. In this guide, we will talk about the FAFSA application, eligibility, how to apply for it and also how this can help you in covering student accommodation. Let’s get started.

What is the FAFSA application?

The full form of FAFSA is Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This is a form that students in the US fill out. It is to see whether you can qualify for federal grants, low-interest loans, and work-study programs.

• This aid is for the school year “fall 2025- summer 2026”.
• That means if you are planning to start or continue college during that time, this is the form you’ll need. 

Here’s the part many students don’t realize colleges and even some states use your FAFSA details to decide their own scholarships and aid packages. So even if you think your family “makes too much” to qualify, you should still apply. A lot of aid is left on the table simply because students skip it.

When does the FAFSA open and close? 

The FAFSA application for the 2025–26 school year opens on October 1, 2024. That’s the first day you can hit submit. The final federal deadline is June 30, 2026, but here’s where a lot of students slip up. States and individual colleges often set their own cut-off dates months earlier. 

Why does this matter? Because a lot of aid isn’t endless. Some state grants and even campus-based aid are handed out on a first-come, first-served basis. If you wait until spring to apply, the pot of money may already be empty. Some of the smartest tip for this: 

• Aim to apply as soon as possible. Even if your taxes or details are not perfect yet, you can update later. 
• Double-check your state’s deadline on the official FAFSA site. Places like California and Texas are known for much earlier priority dates. 
• Some schools also have their own FAFSA priority dates (often in winter), and applying by then can boost your aid chances. 

Who is eligible to apply for FAFSA? 

FAFSA is mainly for US citizens. And in certain cases, non-citizens can apply for this as well. So, if you fall into any of these categories, you can apply for grants through the 2025–26 FAFSA. Here’s what’s usually required: 

• US citizens and eligible non-citizens: You should be a permanent resident with a green card. This is true for refugees, and a few other protected categories. Unfortunately, most international students don’t qualify. But there can be exceptions. 
• A valid Social Security Number (SSN): Without one, you generally can’t submit the form.
• Enrollment in an eligible program: You must already be accepted into a degree or certificate program. That too at an accredited college or university in the US. 
• Academic progress: Once you have got it, you need to maintain satisfactory academic progress. Basically, you need to keep passing your classes and meeting GPA/credit requirements. 

Here’s where it gets tricky. Most international students don’t qualify for FAFSA. But students with certain legal statuses (like refugees, asylum seekers, or those with T- or U-visas) may be eligible. 

What documents are needed for FAFSA? 

The FAFSA isn’t hard once you’ve got the paperwork lined up. The tricky part is gathering everything that you will require in the process in advance. For the 2025–26 form, you will mostly need information from 2023 taxes and income. Here’s the checklist: 

• Social Security Number or Alien Registration Number: This confirms your identity and eligibility. If you’re an eligible non-citizen, your Alien Registration Number will go here. 
• 2023 Federal income tax returns, W-2s, and records of income: FAFSA looks back two years (“prior-prior year”). So, for the 2025–26 form, you’ll need 2023 tax info. If you’re a dependent, your parents’ info is required too. 
• Bank statements and investment records: Savings, checking, stocks, bonds, or other assets may need to be listed. The government wants a full picture of your financial situation, not just your paycheck. 
• Records of untaxed income: Things like child support received, veteran’s non-education benefits, or other non-taxed income must be reported. Many students forget this, and it can delay processing. 
• FSA ID (username + password): You’ll need this to log in, sign, and submit your FAFSA. If you’re dependent, one parent will need their own FSA ID too. 

How do you fill out the FAFSA application step by step? 

Filling out FAFSA looks scary at first glance. But it’s really just a set of questions about you. And also, about your school choices, and your finances. If you have got your documents ready, it usually takes about 30–45 minutes. Here’s the step-by-step: 

• Create your FSA ID: Go to studentaid.gov and set up your ID. If you are still dependent one of your parents will need their own FSA ID too. You’ll both use this to sign the form. 
• Enter your personal info: Fill in basics like your legal name. Your social security number, date of birth, and details about your plans. Make sure everything matches your official documents to avoid delays. 
• List the schools you’re applying to: You can add up to 20 colleges for free. Each one will receive your FAFSA info to decide how much aid they can offer you. Even if you’re unsure about a school, add it you can always update later. 
• Answer dependency questions: These decide whether you’ll need to include your parents’ financial information. If you’re under 24, unmarried, and not a veteran or grad student, you’ll probably be considered dependent. 
• Provide financial details: This part asks about your (and if needed, your parents’) income, tax returns, and any savings or assets. Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool if possible. It pulls tax info directly and avoids math errors. 
• Sign and submit: Use your FSA ID to electronically sign. If parent info is required, they’ll need to sign too. After submission, you’ll get a confirmation page. Save a copy for your records.

How can FAFSA grants/ loans cover student housing in the USA? 

FAFSA aid can help pay for housing. Whether you’re staying on campus or renting private student housing in the USA, it all falls under your Cost of Attendance (COA). So, your financial aid package can be used toward it. Here’s how it usually works: 

• Grants (like the Pell Grant): Free money that doesn’t need to be repaid. You can put it toward student accommodation. Though it rarely covers the full rent, especially in larger cities. Still, it lightens the load. 
• Federal loans: One of the most common ways to pay for student housing in the USA. These funds help you cover rent, utilities, and other living expenses. It is not just tuition. Remember, though, loans must be repaid with interest after graduation. 
• Work-study funds: If you qualify, you’ll get a part-time campus job. The paycheck can go directly toward your housing costs. Whether that’s a dorm room or a shared off-campus apartment. 

Conclusion 

FAFSA isn’t just paperwork. It’s your gateway to grants, loans, and work-study that can help cover everything from tuition to student housing in the USA. The biggest slip-ups? Waiting too long or assuming you won’t qualify. Apply early, have your documents ready, and add every school you’re considering. 

And when it comes to finding safe and affordable student accommodation, University Living is here to help you lock in the right place so you can focus on your studies, not the stress of housing.

Frequently Asked Questions