November 2026
13 deadlines between October 15, 2026 and December 16, 2026, as sent to subscribers on October 15, 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.6 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 December 16, 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 December 30, 2026Dr. Juan Andrade Jr. Scholarship for Young Hispanic Leaders
$1,000 one time. Dec 30, 2026, 11pm CT (open now) - Due December 31, 2026AFSCME Family Scholarship
$2,000 / year, renewable up to 4 years. Postmarked by Dec 31, 2026 (2027 application is out) - Due January 11, 2027DECA Scholarships
Varies. Jan 11, 2027 (no preliminary round this cycle) - Due January 11, 2027DECA Inc. Scholarship
$2,000, one time. Jan 11, 2027 - Due January 11, 2027Leadership Initiatives Scholarship (DECA)
$2,500, one time. Jan 11, 2027 - Due January 11, 2027CONQUERing Scholarship (DECA)
$2,500, one time. Jan 11, 2027 - Due January 11, 2027NRF Foundation RISE Up Scholarship (DECA)
$2,000, one time. Jan 11, 2027 - Due January 11, 2027Hilton Scholarship (DECA)
$1,000, one time. Jan 11, 2027 - Due January 12, 2027Dell Scholars Program
$20,000. Opens Oct 1, 2026; closes Jan 12, 2027TX only - Due January 14, 2027Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship
Up to $35,000 over four years. Jan 14, 2027, 5pm ET (open now)
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 · 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 October 15, 2026. Programs can change a date without notice, so confirm on the official site. All issues.