The high school class of 2026 completed roughly 1.6 million FAFSA applications for 2026–27 as of Jan. 23—about a 52% increase over the same point for last year’s cohort, according to the National College Attainment Network. The Department of Education reported processing 7.6 million total FAFSA submissions by Jan. 30 and credited an earlier launch date, a streamlined form, and expanded support for applicants. Higher‑education enrollment and financial‑aid offices view rising FAFSA completions as an early signal of application and yield activity; counselors say faster FAFSA turnaround helps students compare net costs. Institutions should still plan for variability across student groups and ensure staffing and systems are prepared for a potentially accelerated enrollment cycle.