INDIANA — Applying for college financial aid is becoming faster and easier as the filing window begins, thanks to major simplifications to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To support local students and parents through the process, Indiana is hosting College Goal Sunday events offering free assistance with form completion.
Applicants who have their documents ready can now finish the process in about 15 minutes.
Why Every Student Should File
Approximately 85% of applicants receive some form of financial aid. The FAFSA is essential not only for federal grants and loans, but also for unlocking a portion of the $15 billion awarded annually by state governments, as well as institutional aid provided directly by colleges and universities.
Key Changes for Applicants
This year’s application cycle introduces several updates designed to expand access and simplify data sharing:
- More School Choices: Students can now list up to 20 colleges or universities on their application, doubled from the previous limit of 10.
- Direct IRS Data Transfer: Parents and guardians can transfer tax data directly to the U.S. Department of Education with a single click, keeping family financial information private from the student.
- Farm and Small Business Relief: A provision under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act creates a special exemption for family-owned farms and small businesses with under 100 employees. Families eligible for this carve-out should consult their tax preparer.
- No Multi-Student Discount: The policy remains in effect that families with multiple children enrolled in college simultaneously do not receive an added discount or increased benefit allowance.
Encouraging Early Submissions
Because federal, state, and institutional financial aid funds are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, experts urge families to submit their applications as early as possible.
The push to file early comes as Indiana looks to improve its completion rates. Indiana’s Class of 2026 ranked 26th nationally in FAFSA completion at 61%, trailing the national average of 63.9%. Early financial planning conversations are recommended now so families can evaluate institutional affordability well before tuition bills arrive in the summer.
