The National College Attainment Network reports that the FAFSA completion rate for the Class of 2026 reached a record high: 54.7% of graduating seniors completed the form by May 1, up from 53.9% last year and 47.3% for the 2024 cycle that was disrupted by delays. NCAN says this year’s simplified form is taking hold and that the application opened earlier, giving students more time. NCAN also attributes gains to accumulated experience among counselors and access professionals plus the expansion of universal FAFSA completion policies, with nine states making completion a graduation requirement. Bill DeBaun, NCAN’s senior director for data and strategic initiatives, said completion could surpass 60% by the end of next month. Separate reporting also places FAFSA completion momentum into broader national context, positioning the simplification as the main driver after the 2024–25 “glitchy rollout.” For higher education institutions, the improvement can reduce uncertainty in student aid forecasting and support enrollment planning—particularly for campuses dependent on timely FAFSA completion.