October 2026
8 deadlines between October 1, 2026 and November 15, 2026, as sent to subscribers on October 1, 2026.
This is an archived issue, kept exactly as it was sent. Dates can change after an issue goes out, so for the current list open the free guide or the state aid library.
FAFSA (2027–28)
Open now (opened Sept 23, 2026) · file as early as possibleThe 2027–28 FAFSA is open now. The Department of Education opened it to everyone on Sept 23, 2026, ahead of the Oct 1 date required by law. File as early as you can; some aid is first-come, first-served.
Federal Supplemental Grant (FSEOG) (Up to $4,000 / year): Automatic from the FAFSA; file early, funds are limited.
What to do now
- File the FAFSA if you have not yet.It is open now. Some state and college aid goes to early filers and runs out, so this beats every other task on the list. When does the FAFSA open, and how to file it early
- Check which colleges want the CSS Profile.Its due date is usually tied to each college's own application deadline, so an early application means an early Profile. The CSS Profile, explained: what it is and who needs it
- Pick the scholarships below that fit, and put each one in the calendar.One evening per application is a pace most families can keep. Reuse one strong essay instead of starting over each time. How to write college and scholarship essays, the efficient way
- Look up your state's rule.7 states award some aid first come, first served. The list is further down. State aid library
- Never pay to apply.The FAFSA is free and so is every legitimate scholarship application. If a site asks for a card, close the tab. Scholarship scams and how to spot them instantly
Deadlines through November 15, 2026
Applications that open in this window
- Opens November 15, 2026APIA Scholars
$2,500 – $20,000. Jan 15, 2027, 5pm ET (opens Nov 15)
Due a little later
- Due November 19, 2026Point Foundation Flagship Scholarship
Need-based, renewable. Nov 19, 2026, 5pm PT (opened Sept 9) - Due December 1, 2026Ron Brown Scholar Program
$40,000 ($10,000 / year). Dec 1, 2026 (counselor recs due Dec 15) - Due December 1, 2026The Coolidge Scholarship
Full ride. Dec 1, 2026, 5pm PT (open now; juniors only) - Due December 4, 2026SMART Scholarship (STEM, plus a government job)
Full tuition + a yearly stipend + internships + a federal STEM job after. Dec 4, 2026, 5pm EST (opens Aug 1) - Date to confirmROTC Scholarships (Army, Navy, Air Force)
Full tuition (or room & board) + monthly stipend + book allowance. Apply in the fall of senior year; each branch sets its datesConfirm date
State dates to know
From our state aid library, word for word. Confirm with the state agency before you rely on it.
First come, first served: Colorado · Illinois · Kentucky · Maine · Oklahoma · Oregon · Wisconsin. In these states, filing the FAFSA early is how you stay in line.
Every other state: find yours in the state aid library.
Not starting today? Get the deadlines once a month.
One email a month with the aid deadlines coming up, and a reminder a week before the big ones. The printable FAFSA night handout comes first. The 2027-28 FAFSA is open now.
A mailing list, not an account. It holds your email and nothing else: no tracking pixels, never sold, and never connected to anything a student enters in the guide. One-click unsubscribe on every email. What you get · Past issues
Dates are checked against each program's official site; the last full check before this issue was September 28, 2026. Programs can change a date without notice, so confirm on the official site. All issues.