2026-27 FAFSA Guide: How to Complete the Form and Maximize Financial Aid

Debbie Schwartz

Debbie Schwartz is a former financial services executive and founder of Road2College and the Paying For College 101 Facebook group. With an expertise in personal finance, analysis, and marketing, she's working to give families the information and tools they need to make smarter financial college decisions.

Articles by Debbie

Understanding the Student Aid Index (SAI) for 2026-27

February 6, 2025

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2026–27 academic year is now open, bringing another round of…

2026-2027 FAFSA for Divorced or Separate Parents: What You Need to Know

November 15, 2024

The 2026–27 FAFSA is now open — earlier than usual — and families will notice a few tweaks on top…

CSS Profile Guide: How to Fill Out, When, and How to Submit

CSS Profile Guide: How to Fill Out, When, and How to Submit

November 8, 2024

Each year, the CSS Profile unlocks over $10 billion in non-federal aid for students, complementing the FAFSA in securing crucial…

Why You Should Fill Out FAFSA Even if You Don’t Qualify for Financial Aid

August 21, 2024

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) serves more purposes than most people realize, and you may miss out…

2026-27 FAFSA Guide: How to Complete the Form and Maximize Financial Aid

August 7, 2024

This updated FAFSA guide for the 2026-27 academic year provides everything you need to complete the FAFSA and maximize your…

6 Types of Insurance for College Students and How to Save on Them

June 17, 2024

Students have multiple insurance options when they head off college. Most have health insurance, but many families may not be…

An Expert Discusses How Student Loans Work

June 7, 2024

Having to learn about the Basics of the Student Loans at the point during the college admissions process when every…

Top 30 Colleges With the Best Merit Scholarships

May 23, 2024

If you’re a family that won’t qualify for need-based aid, it’s time to start looking for colleges with the best…