Completing the 2025–26 FAFSA® Form

2025–2026 FAFSA Completion Support

Quick Links

Key Messages for First-Time Applicants:  

• Prepare to complete the 2025–26 FAFSA® form by having your documents ready and creating a StudentAid.gov account. You and your contributor(s) will each need an account to access and fill out the online form. This should be done before entering the FAFSA^® form.​ 

• If you’re a dependent student, determine which parent will need to provide information on your FAFSA^® form using the Parent Wizard Tool. Typically, only one parent needs to be invited to contribute to your form.​ 

• First time filling out the FAFSA^® form? Learn more about each step of the process HERE.  

 Helpful Resources: 

• Creating Your StudentAid.gov Account

Everything you need to know about StudentAid.gov accounts in under five minutes​ 

• Pro Tips for the FAFSA® Form | Federal Student Aid

Tips to help students and families successfully complete the 2025–26 FAFSA^® form​ 

• Applying for Financial Aid With the FAFSA® Form – YouTube

Brief videos for first-time applicants + contributors that simply explain the FAFSA^® form and how to apply for federal student aid 

• Completing the FAFSA page on ourdakotadreams.com

A high-level overview of the FAFSA^® and why to complete it.

• South Dakota Financial Aid and 2025-26 FAFSA presentation

On-Demand FAFSA^® Webinar for South Dakota students from Mapping Your Future

• School Email Template for High School Seniors on FSA ID Creation
   
• Mapping Your Future Resources for South Dakota School Counselors

Mapping your Future provides information and tools to help you provide effective service to your students and families.

• Federal Aid Toolkit

Find the latest FAFSA^® news and documents from the U.S. Department of Education.