The latest episode of our Countdown2College podcast features Jacquie Butler, Senior College Planning Specialist at EducationQuest, who breaks down the newly opened 2026–27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Jacquie explains not only what the FAFSA is, but also how to navigate each section confidently with practical advice for students and families.

The FAFSA is key to accessing grants, work-study programs, and student loans. Some types of aid are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, making it important to apply as early as possible. To prepare, use our FAFSA Checklist to gather the required documents.

Getting Started

The process begins at studentaid.gov, where students and parents each log in with their Federal Student Aid (FSA) account. If an account hasn’t been created, that step must be completed first. The FAFSA now uses the term “contributors” to refer to parents and students, each of whom completes their respective section of the form, which is tied together by an invitation process. Although there’s no “right or wrong” order, we recommend that parents start the form so students can see estimated results on the confirmation page once they submit their FAFSA.

What Families See First

The FAFSA begins with questions about the student’s identity and demographics. Parents will then report their marital status, any federal benefits received, family size, and the number of dependents in college for the 2026–27 academic year. Jacquie explains that accuracy is essential in this section.

Tax Data Transfer

One of Jacquie’s favorite features is the IRS Direct Data Exchange. With the consent of both the student and their parent, federal tax information is pulled directly into the FAFSA. This secure transfer eliminates manual entry errors and streamlines the process — a total game-changer.

Reporting Assets

Parents are asked to report specific financial details, including:

• Cash, checking, and savings balances.
• Investments such as stocks, CDs, mutual funds, and real estate (beyond the primary home).
• 529 Plans, but only for the student completing the FAFSA.
• Child support received during the most recently completed calendar year.

The value of the primary home and any retirement accounts, such as 401(K)s, annuities, and IRAs, is excluded. This distinction often surprises families and can lessen the stress of reporting assets.

Final Steps

Once both contributors have completed their sections, the student reviews the form, signs it, and submits it. The confirmation page provides estimated aid eligibility, but Jacquie stresses this is not an official offer. Colleges will later send financial aid offers based on the information provided in the FAFSA.

EducationQuest Is Here to Help

We offer free assistance in completing the FAFSA. Families can schedule appointments, use our online FAFSA tools, and contact us with questions at any stage of the process. EducationQuest’s mission is to make higher education accessible, and FAFSA guidance is a cornerstone of that work.

The Bottom Line

The FAFSA may seem intimidating, but with the right tools and guidance, it’s entirely manageable. Thanks to Jacquie Butler’s expert walkthrough, students and families now have a clear roadmap for tackling the 2026–27 form. Her message is straightforward: start early, utilize the available resources, and don’t hesitate to ask for help.