The U.S. Department of Education today released the framework for the testing period it will use starting October 1, 2024, ahead of making the 2025–26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) available to all students and contributors on or before December 1. The Department’s top priority remains ensuring the FAFSA form is stable and delivers a smooth and secure experience for families, schools, states, and other partners.
During a series of beta tests, the Department will work with community-based organizations (CBOs), high schools, institutions of higher education, states, and limited groups of students and contributors to fill out and submit the form. Starting today through September 5, CBOs can submit a form to express interest in participating in the first beta, Beta 1, which will launch on October 1.
“We’re using the beta testing period to uncover and fix issues with the FAFSA form before the form is available to millions of students and their families,” said FAFSA Executive Advisor Jeremy Singer. “During this first beta test, we’re grateful that community-based organizations are willing to work with us to support students and contributors when they encounter issues. In the end, our collective efforts will benefit all students and their families in their pursuit of higher education.”
The Department listened carefully to students, families, institutions, and other stakeholders about their experiences with the 2024–25 FAFSA rollout. Based on that input, the Department announced it will undergo the first beta test starting October 1 in alignment with software industry best practices to identify and resolve system errors that can derail students, contributors, and institutions.
The Department’s beta testing plan is rooted in three driving principles:
Build confidence through end-to-end testing: To give stakeholders confidence in the FAFSA process, every stage must be tested. Each beta test will include filling out and submitting forms; processing Institutional Student Information Records (ISIRs) and transmitting them; applicants making corrections; and institutions making individual corrections.
Build confidence through inclusion: The Department aims to include diverse student populations experiencing unique issues with the form. Beta tests will involve various student demographics at different educational stages from different parts of the country.
Build confidence through partner and student support: With each beta test increasing participant numbers from hundreds initially to tens of thousands by final tests. This phased approach allows thorough support during early stages while scaling up support systems for broader application.
For Beta 1 beginning October 1st, partnerships are sought with CBOs capable of reaching diverse populations who can also collaborate with institutions on ISIR testing.
In subsequent tests involving additional organizations such as high schools hosting completion nights or recruiting returning college students for ISIR processing ensures comprehensive issue identification before full release.
Details regarding later betas including recruitment processes will be shared soon. CBOs applying for Beta 1 remain eligible for future phases too.
Between now until broad availability parents/students/other stakeholders receive regular updates enabling informed planning increasing overall confidence while preparing families/students completing/submitting forms upon release
Thanks largely due investments via Departments' FAFSA Student Support Strategy alongside community/stakeholder partnerships submission rates significantly rose past six months closing prior year gap from ~40% March down under current ~3%
