The 2026–2027 FAFSA opened on October 1, 2025, and is currently available. Students are encouraged to submit the FAFSA as early as possible. The priority deadline for Walsh University students is May 1.
Key FAFSA Changes
Real-Time Account Verification
Students with a Social Security Number (SSN) get instant FSA ID verification and immediate access to IRS tax data, replacing multi-day delays.
New Asset Exemptions
The net worth of small family-owned businesses (<=100 employees) and family farms/fishing businesses is now excluded from aid calculations.
Simplified Contributor Invites
Students invite parents/spouses by entering their email, generating a unique code for seamless access, reducing errors.
Changes to the Parent PLUS Loan
- Effective July 1, 2026, the annual limit per student is $20,000 and the lifetime aggregate limit per student is $65,000.
- When calculating an amount to borrow, please factor a 4.228% origination Fee (subject to change July 1).
Other changes Effective July 1, 2026
- Loan Proration
Students enrolled less than full-time will have their federal loans prorated (reduced) to match their enrollment status. - Graduate PLUS Loans
These will be discontinued for all new borrowers.
First Step for Freshmen
Create an FSA ID on the Federal Student Aid website and assist contributors, such as your parent(s) or spouse, in creating an FSA ID. An FSA ID is an account and password that gives you access to the Federal Student Aid’s online system and serves as your electronic signature. With the FSA ID, you can fill out the FAFSA, sign your Master Promissory Note (MPN), apply for repayment plans, complete loan counseling, and use the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Help Tool. If you already have an FSA ID, there is no need to create a new one. Your existing FSA ID will continue to work.
Next Steps for Returning Students
Complete the 2026–2027 Walsh University Supplemental Application available online. This is an internal form Walsh uses to verify enrollment intentions, sport and activity involvement, outside financial contributions, and other factors that contribute to a student’s institutional aid eligibility. If you are not planning to pursue federal or state financial aid, this form has a space to mark that you are not filing a FAFSA.
FAFSA Terms to Know
Student Aid Index (SAI)
Calculated by the FAFSA data; will determine student aid eligibility. This replaces the EFC that was used in previous years.
Cost of Attendance (COA)
Includes tuition and fees, food and housing, books and supplies, miscellaneous expenses, and transportation.
Contributor
A parent, stepparent, student or spouse of the student who is providing information for the FAFSA.
Consent
Required from all contributors in order for the IRS to share tax data directly to the FAFSA. If any contributor does not provide consent to share the tax data, the student will automatically be ineligible for aid.
Direct Data Exchange (DDX)
Previously known as IRS Data Retrieval; this tool imports tax data directly from the IRS to the FAFSA.
FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS)
A summary of the completed FAFSA information. This replaces the Student Aid Report (SAR) that was used previously.
FAQ
What semesters are covered by the 2026-2027 FAFSA?
Summer 2026, Fall 2026, and Spring 2027.
Do I have to submit a FAFSA every year?
Yes, every year you will need to fill out the FAFSA, with your prior year’s tax information.
Does my information auto-renew in the form?
No, a new submission is required each year.
What types of financial aid are available by submitting the FAFSA?
Federal Pell Grant, Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG), Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Federal Loans (Unsubsidized and Subsidized), Federal Parent Plus Loan, and Federal Work-Study.
What is the difference between Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans?
- Direct Subsidized Loans
You will not be charged interest while enrolled in school, and also during your 6-month grace period. - Direct Unsubsidized Loans
Interest starts accumulating from the date of your first loan disbursement.
What is the difference between Grants and Scholarships vs Loans?
Grants and Scholarships are money you will not have to pay back.
Loans are money that you will need to pay back.
What if my parents are divorced or separated?
The parent who provided the most financial support to the student will need to provide their information on the FAFSA.
Who is a contributor?
Contributor refers to anyone who is required to provide information on a student’s FAFSA form, including the student, the student’s spouse, a biological or adopted parent, or the parent’s spouse. Being a contributor does not imply responsibility for the student's college costs
Who should enter as a parent on the FAFSA form?
Use the Federal Student Aid dependency status tool to help determine which parent(s) should participate in a student's FAFSA form.
Still have questions? Visit the FAFSA Help website
Last updated: January 2026