SPOKANE, Wash. — After weeks of quality control testing, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now open for the 2025-26 school year.
However, many are cautiously optimistic following the rollout of last year’s form, which was plagued with technical issues. This led to students all over the country in limbo, waiting to figure out how they would pay for school. Now the big question is if the Department of Education has worked out all the kinks.
Dawn Hilsendeger, college counselor at Ferris High School, says that so far, parents and students are experiencing a smooth and easy application.
“That was so much easier than I thought. I even had a family call me and say ‘I’m not sure if I did this right because it was really quick.’ They were expecting it to be this day-long, sort of arduous event,” said Hilsendeger.
Although the form is traditionally released on Oct. 1, this year’s was delayed in abundance of caution.
“I was able to be involved in some of the beta testing and submitting with some families and it was very smooth,” Hilsendeger said. “I feel really good about it.”
Hilsendeger encourages all students to fill out the form, even if they don’t think they qualify. Some other tips are:
Make sure both the student and one of their parents or guardians creates an account a few days ahead of when the student plans to apply. Remember that the application is free and that you should never have to pay for support. Apply for the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) instead if you are undocumentedTry to get your application submitted by Feb. 1.
“It’s really not as complicated as some people might have heard,” Hilsendeger said.
A completed FAFSA can open doors to various forms of aid, including access to scholarships, federal student loans, grants and work study opportunities.
The college application alone can be extremely stressful, which is why Hilsendeger recommends getting in applications as soon as possible and taking advantage of resources available at colleges and schools near you.
For more on FAFSA information from Spokane Public Schools click here.
You can apply for the FAFSA by clicking here.
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