U.S. Department of Education Reaches Historic Milestone in FAFSA Completions
December 18, 2025
The U.S. Department of Education (the Department) announced that more than 5 million 2026–27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) forms have been successfully submitted by students and families across the country, a nearly 150% increase in the number of applications submitted at the same time last year. After years of mismanagement by the Biden Administration, this year, the Trump Administration launched the earliest and most streamlined FAFSA form in history.
The Department received the 5 millionth submission yesterday after launching the FAFSA form just three months ago. At the same time two years ago, the number of completed forms was zero. Last year, the number of completed applications was barely more than 2 million.
“Completing the FAFSA form is a critical first step in many postsecondary education journeys. And just two short years ago, not a single American student had completed the FAFSA form by December 17th. Contrast that with today, where 5 million aspiring college students have not only started, but successfully completed and submitted their FAFSA forms,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. “Our extraordinarily talented FAFSA team has redesigned and streamlined the form, all while launching the earliest form in history – a huge win for students and families.”
