Applications are now open for several federal student loans, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Additionally, the 2026–27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid is also now available, providing students with access to critical federal resources. “Equally important is completing the FAFSA, which opens the door to essential federal financial aid. Free Application for Federal Student AidCompleting the FAFSA is one of the most important steps for students planning to attend college. The application determines eligibility for federal aid, including the Pell Grant, Federal Work-Study, and low-interest federal student loans, and is also used to help determine eligibility for state programs such as TAP, Excelsior, and STEM.