The U.S. Department of Education opened the FAFSA form ahead of its usual October 1 launch date. This form is the gateway to all federal aid, including grants, work-study programs and student loans. Many states and institutions also use this data to determine financial aid offers, with some aid awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. According to Sallie’s How America Pays for College report, 74% of students and their families submitted the FAFSA for the 2025-26 academic year, up from the previous cycle. With some colleges charging over $100,000 per year, cost has become the primary barrier to higher education access.
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