On Monday, Nov. 18, the U.S. Department of Education announced that beta testing for the 2025-26 FAFSA has officially expanded to all students.  What this means for students is that they and their contributors are able to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form ahead of the application’s planned Dec. 1 launch date. 

The early launch date applies to the FAFSA application only.  The California Dream Act Application (CADAA) launch date is still set for December 2024. 

The Cal State San Bernardino Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships strongly encourages students and their contributors to complete the FAFSA application as soon as possible in preparation for the 2025-26 academic year. 

This year, there are a few changes to keep in mind:

  • FAFSA Application Date:  The FAFSA application is open now and CSUSB Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships encourages students and their contributors to start completing the application as soon as they can. 
  • CADAA Opening Date: While it was hoped the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) would open on Oct. 1, the Department of Education is rolling out the forms in stages to ensure a seamless experience for students and their families. The CSUSB Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships expects the forms to open in early December, with Dec. 1 as a likely target.
  • Priority Filing Date: For students to maximize their financial aid options, they should aim to submit their applications by March 1, 2025. This priority deadline ensures they are considered for as many aid opportunities as possible. Mark this date on the calendar!

The CSUSB Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships is excited about the improvements being made to the FAFSA and CADAA process and is committed making it as easy as possible for students to get the support they need. Now that the FAFSA application is open, the office is prepared with resources, upcoming workshops and one-on-one support to help answer students’ questions and guide them through the process.

Students should stay tuned to their CSUSB student portal, check out the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships website, and follow it on Instagram at @csusbfa to stay up-to-date with the latest information.

The team in the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships is working to make next year’s financial aid process as smooth as possible for students, and is available to guide them through the process.

For more information, contact the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at (909) 537-5222.