Can you submit your FAFSA after a gap year?

If I decide to take a gap year, can I still submit my FAFSA application for financial aid once I'm ready to start college? I'm concerned about the deadlines and how they might apply to students who take a gap year.

Sure, you can certainly submit your FAFSA after a gap year when you're ready to enter college. The FAFSA generally opens October 1st of the year before your intended college start date, so you would need to apply during that application cycle.

For instance, if you're planning to take a gap year during the 2025-2026 academic year and start college in Fall 2027, then you would want to fill out the FAFSA after October 1, 2026. Remember that you'll be including your most recent tax return information, which in this case would be from 2025.

Each college or university might have different priority deadlines, generally falling between December and March, by which you should submit your FAFSA in order to maximize your eligibility for aid. You should check each specific school's financial aid deadlines to ensure you apply as early as possible and receive the best financial aid package.

In summary, not only can you apply for FAFSA after a gap year: it's encouraged to do so as part of your financial planning for college, just like if you had applied straight from high school. Just remember to keep an eye on specific program and college priority deadlines to ensure maximum aid eligibility!