Where these deadlines come from
Every state's entry is copied from the list of state deadlines printed on page 2 of the official 2027–28 FAFSA form from Federal Student Aid. The large date is a short summary. The full entry under it is the official wording, condensed slightly, with dates unchanged. When a state lists several programs, the summary shows the earliest date or the main program, so read the full entry.
There are four kinds of entries:
- State deadline: a real cutoff. Unless it says "postmarked" or "processed," it is the date your FAFSA must be received.
- Priority date: you can file later, but students who file by this date are first in line for limited money.
- As soon as possible: grants are first come, first served, and some states stop when funds run out. File now.
- No statewide deadline: check with your financial aid office. Each college sets its own date.
The federal deadline for the 2027–28 FAFSA is June 30, 2028. You can still get federal aid such as a Pell Grant if you file by then, but many state and college deadlines come much earlier. Your last state choice is remembered in this browser for convenience. Nothing is sent to Scholarly.
For every state on one page, see our 2027–28 FAFSA state deadlines guide. New to the form? Start with the 2027–28 FAFSA guide.
Worked example
You live in California. The official entry gives March 2, 2027 (date postmarked) for many state programs. Cal Grant also needs a school-certified GPA by that date. Students without a Social Security card, or with one issued through DACA, use the California Dream Act Application instead.
You live in Texas. The entry gives Jan. 15, 2027 for priority consideration, and private and two-year colleges may set different dates.
Common questions
What is the FAFSA deadline for 2027–28?
The federal deadline is June 30, 2028. State deadlines are much earlier in many states, and colleges set their own priority dates. Pick your state above to see its date.
What is the California FAFSA deadline for 2027–28?
March 2, 2027 (date postmarked) for many state programs, including Cal Grant, which also requires a school-certified GPA by that date. Additional community college Cal Grants have a Sept. 2, 2027 deadline.
What is the Texas FAFSA deadline for 2027–28?
Texas lists Jan. 15, 2027 for priority consideration. Private and two-year colleges may have different deadlines.
What does "as soon as possible after Oct. 1, 2026" mean?
The state gives out aid in the order applications arrive, and some states stop when funds run out. Filing early can be the difference between getting a grant and not.
Is my state’s deadline the same as my college’s?
No. Colleges set their own priority dates for their own aid, and these are often earlier than the state date. Check each college’s financial aid page and file before the earliest one.
Where does this data come from?
From the state deadline list on page 2 of the official 2027–28 FAFSA form published by Federal Student Aid. Deadlines can change during the year, so confirm on StudentAid.gov or with your state agency.
Sources
- 2027–28 FAFSA Form (PDF), page 2: “2027–28 FAFSA Deadlines”, Federal Student Aid The official state list used for every entry.
- FAFSA deadlines, StudentAid.gov The same list online; it can change during the year.