- Beta testing begins for the 2025-26 FAFSA
- House, Senate home for October recess, opportunities for lobbying in district
Beta testing begins for the 2025-26 FAFSA
The U.S. Education Department (ED) this week opened the first of four rounds of “beta” testing for the 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), with the form being available to a limited set of volunteer students and community-based organizations.
Each beta test examine student and contributor experiences in completing and submitting the form, transmission of Institutional Student Information Records to states and institutions, and student- and institution-initiated corrections. The agency aims to identify and address any issues before opening the form to the public on December 1.
The first test opened one week after two reports from the Government Accountability Office detailed missteps at ED that led to continued challenges with the 2024-25 FAFSA, including failure to undergo robust testing before launching the form.
Also this week, the department announced the 78 colleges and universities, high schools, state agencies and college will be part of betas tests 2 through 4, including six community colleges. Beta 2 will begin in mid-October, followed by Beta 3 in early November, and finally, Beta 4 in mid-November.
House, Senate home for October recess, opportunities for lobbying in district
Both the House and Senate have adjourned for the October recess, giving members time to campaign in their districts and meet with constituents ahead of the November election. While this means things are quiet in Washington, D.C., there are likely ample opportunities for community college advocates to meet with members in their home districts, including those visiting campuses.
AACC has a robust advocacy agenda for the upcoming lame-duck session, including securing investments for community colleges in the appropriations process, enacting Pell Grant eligibility for short-term workforce programs, and passing a WIOA reauthorization. To learn more about the association’s priorities, register for a free AACC webinar on October 16.