CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA (November 9, 2026) — FAFSA season is underway, and now is an ideal time for students and families to make financial aid a priority. Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an important step toward understanding how to pay for education after high school. But knowing when to file—and what happens after submitting the application—can be just as important. ICAN encourages students and families to identify their financial aid priority dates, complete the FAFSA early and use the months ahead to build a realistic plan to pay for college. 

"One of the most important things families can do right now is understand their financial aid timeline," said Erick Danielson, Vice President of Programs at ICAN. "The earlier students complete the FAFSA, the more time they may have to review financial aid offers, compare costs and make informed decisions about where they'll attend."

Your FAFSA Due Date Depends on Your Schools

Many colleges and universities establish financial aid priority dates. These are the dates by which students should submit the FAFSA to receive priority consideration for available financial aid at that institution. Because some financial aid programs have limited funding, filing by a school's priority date can make a difference in the assistance a student may receive. Students considering multiple colleges should identify the priority date for each institution and plan to file the FAFSA by the earliest date.

For example, if a student is considering three colleges with financial aid priority dates of December 1, February 1 and March 1, that student's personal FAFSA due date should be December 1. Filing by the earliest date helps ensure the student meets the priority timeline for all three institutions. Missing a priority date doesn't mean a student can no longer complete the FAFSA or receive financial aid. However, some types of assistance may no longer be available if funding has already been awarded.

"Students shouldn't think of the FAFSA as having one universal deadline," Danielson said. "Your FAFSA timeline should be based on the schools you're considering. Find the earliest priority date and make that your personal deadline."

Now Is the Time to File

Many colleges have financial aid priority dates in January, February or March, but families shouldn't wait until those dates approach to begin the process. November is an excellent time to complete the FAFSA and begin gathering the information needed to understand college affordability. Filing early can give students more time to:

• Receive and review financial aid offers as colleges make them available.
• Research additional scholarships and financial assistance.
• Understand what their family may need to contribute.
• Develop a realistic college budget.
• Compare costs and financial aid packages from multiple institutions.
• Make an informed decision about where to attend next fall.

Students should remember that completing the FAFSA is only one part of creating a plan to pay for college. Understanding the full cost of attendance, available financial aid and remaining expenses is essential before making a final decision.

Review Your FAFSA Submission Summary

After the FAFSA is processed, students can access their FAFSA Submission Summary through StudentAid.gov. This summary provides important information about the application, including the Student Aid Index (SAI), which schools use in determining financial aid eligibility. Students should review the information for accuracy and address any issues that may require attention. The FAFSA Submission Summary is not a financial aid offer and does not tell students exactly how much aid they will receive from a particular school.

Watch for Communication From Colleges

After submitting the FAFSA, students should regularly check their email and financial aid portals for the institutions they're considering. Colleges may request additional information or documentation before finalizing financial aid eligibility.

Responding promptly can help prevent delays. Students should also confirm whether their FAFSA information has been received by each institution.

Current College Students Need to Renew, Too

FAFSA season isn't only for high school seniors. Students currently attending college generally need to submit a new FAFSA for each academic year they want to be considered for federal financial aid. Returning students should check their institution's priority dates and complete the appropriate FAFSA for the upcoming academic year.

Free FAFSA Assistance Is Available

ICAN provides free FAFSA assistance and financial aid advising to Iowa students and families. Families can schedule individual appointments or participate in ICAN's monthly Wednesday FAFSA Step-by-Step events, offered through February.

These guided events help students and families work through the FAFSA process, understand the information being requested and identify next steps. To view the schedule and register visit ICANsucceed.org/fafsareadyiaevents.

"Financial aid can be confusing, but families don't have to figure it out alone," Danielson said. "Whether you're completing the FAFSA for the first time, renewing it or trying to understand what happens next, asking questions early can make a difference."

Students and families can learn more about ICAN's FAFSA resources, upcoming events at ICANsucceed.org. To schedule a free FAFSA Advising session, visit ICANsucceed.org/apt.

###

About ICAN

ICAN is a nonprofit, educational organization. ICAN is the College Access Network for Iowa, and a member of the National College Access Network (NCAN). ICAN has locations in Ankeny, Bettendorf, Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids, Council Bluffs, Des Moines, Iowa City, Sioux City, and Waterloo, which provide programming and advising support to students and their families as they plan for education and training after high school. All ICAN programs and services are provided without charge. For more information about ICAN, call (877) 272-4692 or visit ICANsucceed.org.