Arizona FAFSA Challenge
The Arizona FAFSA Challenge is a statewide initiative designed to increase FAFSA completions in our state.
The Arizona FAFSA Challenge celebrates the outstanding efforts of Arizona high schools to encourage their seniors to complete this critical form.
The FAFSA directly impacts a student’s likelihood of enrolling in college, persisting in their coursework and successfully obtaining a degree.
The 2026–27 FAFSA Challenge will run from September 24 through April 30. With the 2026–27 FAFSA now open, Arizona is aiming for a 48% completion rate for the high school class of 2026. The challenge will culminate in statewide recognition for the Arizona high schools making the greatest impact.
To support school leaders, the Arizona Board of Regents is hosting FAFSA informational webinars throughout the school year to guide educators through the financial aid process. Register below for the upcoming webinars and events.
Stay informed by subscribing to the FAFSA and College Readiness Newsletter for the latest information, resources and event details throughout the cycle.
Together, we can reach Arizona’s goal and ensure more students have the opportunity to pursue education beyond high school!
Upcoming Counselor Webinar Events
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Event
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Date
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Time
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Register
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Thursday, October 9th, 2025
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10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
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Resources
Resource Handouts
- Why complete the FAFSA English / Spanish
- FAFSA Myths and Facts English / Spanish
- FAFSA Process Overview English / Spanish
- How to Create an FSA ID English / Spanish
- FSA ID Creation Step by Step with SSN English / Spanish
- FSA ID Creation Step by Step with no SSN English / Spanish
- FAFSA Materials Checklist English / Spanish
- After the FAFSA English / Spanish
- What is Financial Aid Verification English / Spanish
- Inviting a Contributor English / Spanish
- Steps in the FAFSA Process English / Spanish
- FAFSA resources and Support English / Spanish
- Suporting Mixed Status Families English
Power Point presentations with scripts
2026–27 FAFSA Updates – What You Need to Know
September, 2025
After the FAFSA- What happens next?
September 25, 2025
StudentAid.gov / FSA ID
- FSA Financial Aid Tool Kit: https://financialaidtoolkit.ed.gov/tk/
- StudentAid.gov Account Basics Flyer
- StudentAid.gov Account How-To Flyer
- StudentAid.gov Account How-To Detailed Instructions
- StudentAid.gov Account How-To Detailed Instructions (Spanish)
- Step by Step PowerPoint to Create the FSA ID
- Step by Step PowerPoint to Create the FSA ID (Spanish)
- FSA ID Template
FAFSA
- The 2024-25 FAFSA Prototype URL: https://fasapartners.ed.gov/fafsa-prototype/2425 Access Code: prototype2425
- Parent Wizard (This tool helps determine which parent(s) should participate in a student’s FAFSA). https://studentaid.gov/fafsa-apply/parents
- 2025/26 Federal Student Aid Estimator: https://studentaid.gov/aid-estimator/
- Where To Find My 2023 Tax Information (2025–26) | Federal Student Aid
- College Ready AZ – FAFSA: https://collegereadyaz.com/fafsa/
- NCAN “Do the FAFSA” Campaign Kit: https://socialpresskit.com/dothefafsa
- FAQ on Student information collected for StudentAid.gov
- FAFSA Workarounds Handout
- FREE FAFSA Incentives
Arizona FAFSA Challenge
The Arizona FAFSA Challenge recognizes and celebrates the outstanding efforts of Arizona high schools in supporting their seniors to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). By increasing FAFSA completion rates, schools help unlock financial aid opportunities that make higher education more affordable and accessible for Arizona students.
Award Categories
High schools across the state compete within enrollment-based categories to ensure fair recognition of their efforts:
- Small Schools: 1–100 seniors
- Medium Schools: 101–399 seniors
- Large Schools: 400+ seniors
Schools are honored in two award categories:
- Highest FAFSA Completion Rate
Recognizing the schools with the top overall FAFSA completion rates in their enrollment category. - Most Improved FAFSA Completion Rate
Celebrating schools that have achieved the greatest year-over-year growth in FAFSA completion rates within their category.
Why It Matters
FAFSA completion directly impacts a student’s ability to access scholarships, grants, and financial aid. The Arizona FAFSA Challenge not only highlights schools’ achievements but also inspires continued efforts to ensure every student has the opportunity to pursue education beyond high school.
Stay engaged by following updates, tracking your school’s progress, and celebrating Arizona’s collective impact in expanding college access.
Past Winners
