The National College Attainment Network reported that the FAFSA completion rate for the Class of 2026 is at a record high after the simplified form took hold. As of May 1, 54.7% of graduating seniors had completed the FAFSA, up from 53.9% last year and 47.3% in 2024. NCAN said the record is being achieved ahead of its typical measurement timeline, noting that the form opened earlier this year—September instead of December—and that FAFSA simplification is becoming easier for families to navigate. NCAN also cited increased experience among college counselors and other access professionals. The report points to nine states with universal FAFSA completion policies that effectively make completion part of graduation requirements. NCAN also highlighted that several states—including California, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee, and Texas—were already at or above a 60% completion rate by May 1. For university enrollment and student-aid offices, improved FAFSA completion can translate into more predictable federal-aid packaging and better enrollment conversion, particularly for students who previously faced completion barriers during the earlier, glitch-prone FAFSA cycles.