The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2025-2026 school year has been delayed, opening on December 1, two months later than usual, following a phased rollout starting October 1. This delay comes on the heels of significant technical issues and confusion experienced during the previous year's application cycle, which strained college financial aid departments and left many students without timely assistance. Institutions like Hampshire College are particularly concerned about the impact on enrollment and financial stability, as many students missed out on aid due to application complications. Capital One is responding to the situation by offering free office hours to help students navigate the FAFSA process, acknowledging the challenges that deter many from applying. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Education assures that it is addressing technical problems and will conduct a test launch to ensure smoother operations. Administrators express concerns about staff burnout and the need for support to manage these ongoing issues.