Office of Governor Tony Evers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 20, 2025
Contact: [email protected] 
 
Gov. Evers, DFI, and HEAB Encourage Wisconsinites to Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) During FAFSA® Filing Month in Wisconsin 
 
MADISON — Gov. Evers, together with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) and the Wisconsin Higher Educational Aids Board (HEAB), today encouraged Wisconsin students and families to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) for the 2026-27 academic year as part of “FAFSA® Filing Month.” In accordance with national observances, Gov. Evers proclaimed October 2025 as “FAFSA® Filing Month” in Wisconsin to encourage high school counselors, principals, superintendents, after-school programs, parent groups, nonprofit organizations, and local and state education organizations to assist students and families in completing the FAFSA® as the first step toward achieving their college and career aspirations. 

“Higher education should be affordable and attainable for every Wisconsinite who chooses to pursue it, and completing the FAFSA® is the first step to helping Wisconsin students unlock critical financial aid to help them reach their goals and ensure cost isn’t a barrier,” said Gov. Evers. “I encourage all those considering higher education to submit the FAFSA® and take full advantage of the resources available to them. We also encourage educators, parents, mentors, and community leaders to help support students throughout these processes so that no one misses out on the opportunities they deserve.”

The FAFSA®, filed annually, is the gateway to nearly all federal, state, and institutional financial aid, including grants, scholarships, work-study funds, and federal student loans, plus many private scholarship providers require it as well. For those looking to enroll in postsecondary education during the 2026-27 academic year, it is important to submit the FAFSA® as soon as possible and take time to understand the various deadlines that apply. The 2026-27 FAFSA® is available now. 

“Any student, regardless of income, who wants to be considered for federal, state, and school financial aid programs, including grants, scholarships, work-study funds, and loans, should complete the FAFSA® right away,” said DFI Secretary Wendy K. Baumann. “It takes most people about 30 minutes to fill out the FAFSA®, including gathering any personal documents and financial information needed to complete it, so don’t delay—get started today.”

In Wisconsin, College Goal Wisconsin, an all-volunteer program that includes the commitment and support of many state agencies, businesses, secondary schools, colleges, and universities, helps students and families with the timely completion of the FAFSA®. College Goal Wisconsin is offering several free in-person and virtual FAFSA® completion events throughout the month of October. View the event dates and register to attend at CollegeGoalWI.org/Calendar-Of-Upcoming-Events/.

“Most colleges and states, including Wisconsin, use the FAFSA® to determine both federal aid and eligibility for need-based state financial aid programs,” said HEAB Executive Secretary Tammie DeVooght Blaney. “Given that many of these programs are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, it’s critical that Wisconsin students and families submit their FAFSA® as soon as possible to ensure they are considered for all available financial support.”

For more information about Wisconsin’s student financial aid, including grant, scholarship, and loan programs, tuition reciprocity agreements, and tuition capitation contracts, visit HEAB’s website here. For more information about college and career readiness, student loan borrowing and repayment, and the Wisconsin 529 College Savings Program, visit DFI’s website here. 
 
An online version of this release is available here.
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