House Passes Bill to Standardize FAFSA Deadline

The U.S. House has passed the FAFSA Deadline Act with overwhelming bipartisan support, requiring the federal student aid application to be available by October 1 each year, instead of the current January 1 deadline. This legislation aims to prevent the confusion and delays experienced during the 2024-25 FAFSA rollout, which was marred by technical glitches and significant processing issues. Representative Erin Houchin criticized the Department of Education for the setbacks, while other lawmakers emphasized the importance of timely access to the application for students and schools. The bill, which passed 381-1, will help ensure future administrators adhere to a clear deadline, offering better support for families seeking financial aid. The Department of Education is currently addressing issues in the phased rollout of the 2025-26 FAFSA form, with plans to have it fully operational by December 1. The measure now awaits Senate approval to become law.