Short answer: Most students: May 1, 2027. First-time students at certain schools: August 1, 2027. The federal deadline is June 30, 2028, but state money is limited, so file well before the state date.
Pennsylvania state aid deadlines for 2027-28
| Deadline | Applies to | Details |
|---|---|---|
| May 1, 2027 | Most students | Most students must submit the FAFSA by May 1, 2027. You may need to complete additional forms. |
| August 1, 2027 | First-time students at certain schools | First-time applicants at a community college, business school, trade or technical school, hospital school of nursing, designated Pennsylvania open-admission institution, or nontransferable two-year program must submit by August 1, 2027. |
| June 30, 2028 | Federal deadline | 11:59 p.m. Central time. Corrections due by September 12, 2028. |
State programs
- Pennsylvania state financial aid that uses the FAFSA
What to know
- Most four-year college students should plan around May 1, 2027.
- Colleges can set their own, earlier priority dates. Check each school's financial aid office.
Sources
Checked November 2, 2026 against the official pages above. Deadlines can change, so confirm on the official site before you file.
See FAFSA deadlines in other states (Texas, California, Florida, New York, Illinois, Ohio, Georgia, North Carolina, Michigan), or read how to pay for college with the FAFSA, Pell Grants and state aid.