Higher education students have received a major gift before the holidays: The 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form is available earlier than expected. The 2025-2026 FAFSA is for the students planning to attend college in Fall 2025, Spring 2026 or Summer 2026.

As a result, Western Nevada College’s Financial Aid Office has started assisting students prepare their FAFSA forms so they can make plans for attending college between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026.

"We are glad to hear that the rollout of the new FAFSA is going smoother than last year and our students will have their federal financial aid determined in a timely fashion to reduce concerns about how to pay for college," said WNC President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe. "Our team in the Financial Aid Office is available to answer their questions and assist with problems. We also have other funding available that will help students who qualify to pay for their education."

Income shouldn’t be a barrier for students submitting this financial aid application since, in addition to filing for federal financial aid, students will need to complete the FAFSA to be eligible for state grants, some scholarships, grants, work-study funds and loans.

“The earlier than expected release has been a great thing and the college is excited to help students begin planning for the 2025-2026 academic year!” said WNC Executive Director of Student Services JW Lazzari.

The U.S. Department of Education originally planned to open the FAFSA application on Dec. 1. In ensuing years, the form will again be available on Oct. 1.

The delayed availability of the form comes a year after a rough rollout of a new application with changes that delayed funding to students and hindered their college plans.

Before filling out the form, students will need to create a FSA ID, provide a parent or spouse contributor name, date of birth, social security number, email address and possibly income and asset information. The application shouldn’t take any longer than an hour to complete and most students are finishing within 20 minutes. 

Students are reminded that they will need to fill out the form each year they attend college.

Access the FAFSA form at wnc.edu/financial. WNC’s federal school code is 013896. It’s recommended that students file the application as soon as they can.

To talk with a WNC Financial Aid Office representative, phone 775-445-3264 or email finaid1@wnc.edu. For more information about becoming a student at WNC, phone 775-445-3277 or go to wnc.edu/starthere.