With the full release of the 2026–27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the Florida College Access Network (FCAN) is proud to launch the Florida FAFSA Challenge, a statewide initiative that runs through March 27, 2026.
Through the Florida FAFSA Challenge, FCAN encourages schools, districts, and community partners to help more high school seniors complete the FAFSA and access the resources needed to pursue education after high school.
Completing the FAFSA is a critical first step for unlocking federal, state, and institutional financial aid, including Pell Grants, which provide up to $7,395 annually for students with the greatest financial need.
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Schools, districts, and community organizations can register to access exclusive updates, promotional materials, and success strategies. |
As of the latest data, Florida ranks 35th nationally in FAFSA completion rates, with only 51.3% of the Class of 2025 seniors finishing the form, according to the National College Attainment Network (NCAN). While Florida has led in keeping public college tuition low, additional costs such as housing, food, transportation, and childcare create real financial barriers.
Earlier this year, the state passed House Bill 1255, which will add FAFSA instruction to high school financial literacy courses. This will undoubtedly help thousands of students become aware of the importance of FAFSA. However, FAFSA completion is not yet a statewide requirement for current seniors. That makes community-driven efforts like the Florida FAFSA Challenge important to ensuring students and families get the support they need to successfully complete the application.
Resources to Help
FCAN and its partners provide a suite of tools to support schools and students:
- Florida FAFSA Challenge Toolkit – Best practices and templates
- NCAN’s Financial Aid Resources – For high school students and recent grads
- FSA YouTube Channel – FAFSA walkthroughs and training videos