State financial aid: each state's own application and main grants
Most states use the FAFSA to award their grants. Some states also have their own aid application for students who can't file the FAFSA, and in a few states the colleges handle that form. Pick a state to see its own application if it has one, its main state grants and its official aid agency.
Checked Oct 26, 2026. For the 2027-28 school year. 50 states plus DC.
Rules, awards and deadlines can change. Confirm the details on the state agency's page before you apply.
Map of the 50 states and DC
Each state links to its row in the table below.
- Has its own state aid application (solid green): 13 of 51
- Colleges handle a non-FAFSA form (blue lines): 3 of 51
- No state alternative found (grey dots): 35 of 51
State
Every state, in a table
| State | Status | State aid application | Main state grants | State agency | Priority deadline | Deadline details | Notes | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | No state alternative found | None found (as of Oct 26, 2026) |
| Alabama Commission on Higher Education | Varies by program / check site | ASAP is awarded by each college. File the FAFSA early and check your college's deadline. | Oct 26, 2026 | |
| Alaska | No state alternative found | None found (as of Oct 26, 2026) |
| Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education | Varies by program / check site | APS asks for the FAFSA by June 30 each year (priority). The year is not printed. | APS has its own Alternative Application, but only for students going to schools that do not take federal aid. It is not a FAFSA alternative. | Oct 26, 2026 |
| Arizona | No state alternative found | None found (as of Oct 26, 2026) |
| Arizona Board of Regents | Varies by program / check site | Each university sets its own dates. File the FAFSA early. | Rules for undocumented students are being decided in court. Check the agency page before you apply. | Oct 26, 2026 |
| Arkansas | No state alternative found | None found (as of Oct 26, 2026) |
| Arkansas Division of Higher Education | Varies by program / check site | Academic Challenge lists an annual deadline of July 1. The year is not printed. | Arkansas uses its own ACCESS scholarship portal in addition to the FAFSA. It is not a FAFSA alternative. Rules for undocumented students are being decided in court. Check the agency page before you apply. | Oct 26, 2026 |
| California | Has its own state aid application | California Dream Act Application (CADAA)For undocumented students, DACA recipients and others who qualify for in-state tuition under California law but cannot file the FAFSA. |
| California Student Aid Commission | March 2, 2027 | The 2027-28 FAFSA and CADAA opened Oct 1, 2026. March 2, 2027 is the posted priority deadline for state aid. | Rules for undocumented students are being decided in court. Check the agency page before you apply. | Oct 26, 2026 |
| Colorado | Has its own state aid application | Colorado Application for State Financial Aid (CASFA)For Colorado students who qualify for in-state tuition but cannot file the FAFSA, such as undocumented students. |
| Colorado Department of Higher Education | Varies by program / check site | The 2027-28 FAFSA and the 2027-2028 CASFA are open. Each college sets its own priority date. | Rules for undocumented students are being decided in court. Check the agency page before you apply. | Oct 26, 2026 |
| Connecticut | Colleges handle a non-FAFSA form | Application for Aid for Connecticut Undocumented Students (AACTUS), CT State Community College formFor undocumented students who cannot apply for federal aid. CT State uses it to decide college aid for 2027-28. It asks for a notarized affidavit, 2025 income or tax records and a high school transcript. Other colleges use their own form. |
| Connecticut Office of Higher Education | Varies by program / check site | Each college sets its own dates. | There is no statewide FAFSA alternative. CT State uses AACTUS. Other colleges collect their own form. U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens should file the FAFSA. Rules for undocumented students are being decided in court. Check the agency page before you apply. | Oct 26, 2026 |
| Delaware | No state alternative found | None found (as of Oct 26, 2026) |
| Delaware Higher Education Office (Delaware Department of Education) | Varies by program / check site | ScIP application and FAFSA: Dec 1, 2026 to May 17, 2027. Merit scholarships for seniors close Feb 26, 2027. | Oct 26, 2026 | |
| District of Columbia | No state alternative found | None found (as of Oct 26, 2026) |
| Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) | Varies by program / check site | Check the DCTAG page for the yearly application window. | Rules for undocumented students are being decided in court. Check the agency page before you apply. | Oct 26, 2026 |
| Florida | No state alternative found | None found (as of Oct 26, 2026) |
| Florida Department of Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance | Varies by program / check site | FSAG uses the FAFSA. Bright Futures needs the Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA). Check the site for the FFAA deadline. | The FFAA is a state form for Bright Futures, filed in addition to the FAFSA when needed. It is not a FAFSA alternative. Florida ended in-state tuition for undocumented students in 2025. | Oct 26, 2026 |
| Georgia | No state alternative found | None found (as of Oct 26, 2026) |
| Georgia Student Finance Commission | Varies by program / check site | Apply through the FAFSA or the Georgia GSFAPP on GAfutures. Check the site for dates. | The GSFAPP is Georgia's state aid form. It is not a full FAFSA alternative. | Oct 26, 2026 |
| Hawaii | No state alternative found | None found (as of Oct 26, 2026) |
| University of Hawaii System (no separate state aid agency) | Varies by program / check site | File the FAFSA by March 1 each year for first consideration. The year is not printed. | Rules for undocumented students are being decided in court. Check the agency page before you apply. | Oct 26, 2026 |
| Idaho | No state alternative found | None found (as of Oct 26, 2026) |
| Idaho State Board of Education | Varies by program / check site | Opportunity Scholarship application and FAFSA close March 1, 2027. | Oct 26, 2026 | |
| Illinois | Has its own state aid application | Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid (RISE Act)For students who cannot get federal aid, including undocumented students, who meet the Illinois high school or community college attendance rules. |
| Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) | Varies by program / check site | The 2027-28 Alternative Application opened Oct 1, 2026. Apply as soon as you can. MAP funds run out. | Check the agency page for current eligibility rules. | Oct 26, 2026 |
| Indiana | No state alternative found | None found (as of Oct 26, 2026) |
| Indiana Commission for Higher Education | Varies by program / check site | File the FAFSA by April 15 each year for state aid. The year is not printed. | Oct 26, 2026 | |
| Iowa | No state alternative found | None found (as of Oct 26, 2026) |
| Iowa College Aid (Iowa Department of Education) | Varies by program / check site | Each program has its own date. Check each page. | Oct 26, 2026 | |
| Kansas | No state alternative found | None found (as of Oct 26, 2026) |
| Kansas Board of Regents | Varies by program / check site | The 2027-28 Kansas state aid application opens in early January 2027. | Kansas uses its own online state aid application in addition to the FAFSA. It is not a FAFSA alternative. | Oct 26, 2026 |
| Kentucky | No state alternative found | None found (as of Oct 26, 2026) |
| Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA) | Varies by program / check site | CAP and KTG are first come, first served. File the FAFSA early. | Oct 26, 2026 | |
| Louisiana | No state alternative found | None found (as of Oct 26, 2026) |
| Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA) | Varies by program / check site | TOPS has its own deadline tied to your high school graduation date. Check the site. | Oct 26, 2026 | |
| Maine | No state alternative found | None found (as of Oct 26, 2026) |
| Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) | Varies by program / check site | Check the FAME page for the yearly FAFSA date. | Oct 26, 2026 | |
| Maryland | Has its own state aid application | MHEC One AppFor undocumented students who qualify for in-state tuition under the Maryland Dream Act and want state aid. |
| Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) | Varies by program / check site | File the FAFSA or One App by March 1 each year for select state programs. The year is not printed. | Rules for undocumented students are being decided in court. Check the agency page before you apply. | Oct 26, 2026 |
| Massachusetts | Has its own state aid application | Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA)For students who cannot file the FAFSA, such as undocumented students who qualify for in-state tuition in Massachusetts. |
| Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance | Varies by program / check site | For 2026-27 the state priority date was June 30, 2026. A 2027-28 date was not yet posted. | Rules for undocumented students are being decided in court. Check the agency page before you apply. | Oct 26, 2026 |
| Michigan | No state alternative found | None found (as of Oct 26, 2026) |
| MI Student Aid (Michigan Department of Treasury) | Varies by program / check site | Check the MI Student Aid page for program dates. | Oct 26, 2026 | |
| Minnesota | Has its own state aid application | Minnesota Alternative State Financial Aid Application (used by MN Dream Act students)For students who cannot file the FAFSA, such as undocumented students who went to a Minnesota high school for at least 3 years and graduated or got a GED in Minnesota. |
| Minnesota Office of Higher Education | Varies by program / check site | The FAFSA and the Minnesota Alternative State Financial Aid Application opened Oct 1, 2026. OHE says no 2027-28 priority deadline had been set yet. | Rules for undocumented students are being decided in court. Check the agency page before you apply. | Oct 26, 2026 |
| Mississippi | No state alternative found | None found (as of Oct 26, 2026) |
| Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid | Varies by program / check site | Apply through the MAAPP state application. Check the site for dates. | The MAAPP is Mississippi's state aid application, filed in addition to the FAFSA. It is not a FAFSA alternative. | Oct 26, 2026 |
| Missouri | No state alternative found | None found (as of Oct 26, 2026) |
| Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development | Varies by program / check site | Access Missouri: file the FAFSA by Feb 1 for priority and no later than April 1 each year. The year is not printed. | Oct 26, 2026 | |
| Montana | No state alternative found | None found (as of Oct 26, 2026) |
| Montana University System, Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education | Varies by program / check site | MUS Honor Scholarship opens Dec 1, 2026 and is due March 15, 2027. | Oct 26, 2026 | |
| Nebraska | No state alternative found | None found (as of Oct 26, 2026) |
| Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education | Varies by program / check site | NOG is awarded by each college. File the FAFSA early. | Oct 26, 2026 | |
| Nevada | Colleges handle a non-FAFSA form | No statewide form. Contact your college's financial aid office if you cannot file the FAFSAFor students who are barred by law from filing the FAFSA. NSHE tells them to contact the financial aid office at the college they plan to attend. |
| Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) | Varies by program / check site | Each college sets its own dates. | There is no statewide FAFSA alternative. Ask your college's financial aid office. | Oct 26, 2026 |
| New Hampshire | No state alternative found | None found (as of Oct 26, 2026) |
| New Hampshire State Treasury (state scholarship programs) | Varies by program / check site | Apply through your college's financial aid office. | Oct 26, 2026 | |
| New Jersey | Has its own state aid application | New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid ApplicationFor New Jersey Dreamers, such as undocumented students who meet the state's in-state tuition rules. |
| Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) | Varies by program / check site | FAFSA or NJ Alternative Application due dates for 2027-28: April 15, 2027 if you are renewing a TAG award. Sept 15, 2027 for new students (Feb 15, 2028 for spring only). | Rules for undocumented students are being decided in court. Check the agency page before you apply. | Oct 26, 2026 |
| New Mexico | Colleges handle a non-FAFSA form | College state aid application (each New Mexico college; at UNM it is the UNM Application for State Aid)For students who cannot file the FAFSA because of immigration status. State law gives them the same state aid as residents if they spent at least one year in a New Mexico high school and graduated or earned a GED in New Mexico. Each college has its own form. |
| New Mexico Higher Education Department | Varies by program / check site | Each college sets its own dates. | There is no statewide FAFSA alternative. Ask your college about its own form. Rules for undocumented students are being decided in court. Check the agency page before you apply. | Oct 26, 2026 |
| New York | Has its own state aid application | NYS DREAM Act ApplicationFor undocumented and other students who meet New York high school or GED rules and cannot get federal aid. |
| New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) | Varies by program / check site | TAP deadline for 2027-28 is June 30, 2028. Excelsior has its own window. | New York also has an Alternate Eligibility Path for U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens whose family members are not citizens or permanent residents. It is open for 2027-28 but cannot be used for Excelsior. Rules for undocumented students are being decided in court. Check the agency page before you apply. | Oct 26, 2026 |
| North Carolina | No state alternative found | None found (as of Oct 26, 2026) |
| North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA) | Varies by program / check site | File the FAFSA. Check CFNC for dates. | Oct 26, 2026 | |
| North Dakota | No state alternative found | None found (as of Oct 26, 2026) |
| North Dakota University System | Varies by program / check site | File the FAFSA. Check the NDUS pages for dates. | Oct 26, 2026 | |
| Ohio | No state alternative found | None found (as of Oct 26, 2026) |
| Ohio Department of Higher Education | Varies by program / check site | Check the OCOG page for the FAFSA date. | Oct 26, 2026 | |
| Oklahoma | No state alternative found | None found (as of Oct 26, 2026) |
| Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education | Varies by program / check site | Oklahoma's Promise sign up happens in 8th to 11th grade. OTAG is first come, first served. | Oct 26, 2026 | |
| Oregon | Has its own state aid application | Oregon Student Aid Application (ORSAA)For Oregon students who cannot file the FAFSA, such as undocumented students. Starting 2027-28 some students from mixed-status families may use it too. |
| Oregon Office of Student Access and Completion (Oregon Student Aid) | Varies by program / check site | The 2027-28 ORSAA is open in the OSAC portal. File early. Opportunity Grant funds run out. | Rules for undocumented students are being decided in court. Check the agency page before you apply. | Oct 26, 2026 |
| Pennsylvania | No state alternative found | None found (as of Oct 26, 2026) |
| Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) | Varies by program / check site | First-time applicants file the FAFSA by May 1 before the school year, or Aug 1 for community colleges and some other schools. The year is not printed. | First-time applicants also complete the PA State Grant Form after the FAFSA. It is not a FAFSA alternative. | Oct 26, 2026 |
| Rhode Island | No state alternative found | None found (as of Oct 26, 2026) |
| Rhode Island Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner | Varies by program / check site | File the FAFSA by your college's date. | Rules for undocumented students are being decided in court. Check the agency page before you apply. | Oct 26, 2026 |
| South Carolina | No state alternative found | None found (as of Oct 26, 2026) |
| South Carolina Commission on Higher Education | Varies by program / check site | Each college sets its own dates. | Oct 26, 2026 | |
| South Dakota | No state alternative found | None found (as of Oct 26, 2026) |
| South Dakota Board of Regents | Varies by program / check site | Check each program page for dates. | Oct 26, 2026 | |
| Tennessee | No state alternative found | None found (as of Oct 26, 2026) |
| Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (College Pays) | Varies by program / check site | File the 2027-28 FAFSA by April 1, 2027 to stay eligible for Tennessee Promise. | Oct 26, 2026 | |
| Texas | Has its own state aid application | Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA)For Texas residents who cannot file the FAFSA. Check with your college that the TASFA is the right form for you. |
| Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board | Varies by program / check site | Many colleges use Jan 15 as the state priority date each year. The year is not printed. The 2027-28 TASFA is open. | Check the agency page for current eligibility rules. | Oct 26, 2026 |
| Utah | No state alternative found | None found (as of Oct 26, 2026) |
| Utah System of Higher Education | Varies by program / check site | Opportunity Scholarship (Class of 2027): window Jan 5 to March 19, 2027. Priority deadline Feb 5, 2027. | Rules for undocumented students are being decided in court. Check the agency page before you apply. | Oct 26, 2026 |
| Vermont | Has its own state aid application | Vermont Grant Pathway ApplicationFor Vermont residents who aren't U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens and can't file the FAFSA. |
| Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC) | No set deadline; first come, first served while funds last | Check the VSAC page for dates. | Rules for undocumented students are being decided in court. Check the agency page before you apply. | Oct 26, 2026 |
| Virginia | Has its own state aid application | Virginia Alternative State Aid (VASA) ApplicationFor Virginians who are undocumented, have DACA or certain visas, or otherwise cannot file the FAFSA, and qualify for in-state tuition. |
| State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) | Varies by program / check site | Colleges set their own dates and use the same date for the VASA as the FAFSA. The 2027-28 VASA was not yet open on the check date (projected late October). | Check the agency page for current eligibility rules. | Oct 26, 2026 |
| Washington | Has its own state aid application | Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA)For Washington students who cannot file the FAFSA, such as undocumented students who meet state residency rules. |
| Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) | Varies by program / check site | The 2027-28 WASFA is open. Check your college for dates. | Rules for undocumented students are being decided in court. Check the agency page before you apply. | Oct 26, 2026 |
| West Virginia | No state alternative found | None found (as of Oct 26, 2026) |
| West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (College for West Virginia) | Varies by program / check site | PROMISE application and FAFSA are due March 1, 2027. | Oct 26, 2026 | |
| Wisconsin | No state alternative found | None found (as of Oct 26, 2026) |
| Wisconsin Higher Educational Aids Board (HEAB) | Varies by program / check site | Check HEAB for program dates. | Oct 26, 2026 | |
| Wyoming | No state alternative found | None found (as of Oct 26, 2026) |
| Wyoming Department of Education (Hathaway Scholarship) | Varies by program / check site | Check the Hathaway page for dates. | Oct 26, 2026 |
Sources
Official state agency and program pages, checked Oct 26, 2026. Each state's aid agency:
- Alabama Commission on Higher Education (Alabama), date checked: Oct 26, 2026
- Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (Alaska), date checked: Oct 26, 2026
- Arizona Board of Regents (Arizona), date checked: Oct 26, 2026
- Arkansas Division of Higher Education (Arkansas), date checked: Oct 26, 2026
- California Student Aid Commission (California), date checked: Oct 26, 2026
- Colorado Department of Higher Education (Colorado), date checked: Oct 26, 2026
- Connecticut Office of Higher Education (Connecticut), date checked: Oct 26, 2026
- Delaware Higher Education Office (Delaware Department of Education) (Delaware), date checked: Oct 26, 2026
- Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) (District of Columbia), date checked: Oct 26, 2026
- Florida Department of Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance (Florida), date checked: Oct 26, 2026
- Georgia Student Finance Commission (Georgia), date checked: Oct 26, 2026
- University of Hawaii System (no separate state aid agency) (Hawaii), date checked: Oct 26, 2026
- Idaho State Board of Education (Idaho), date checked: Oct 26, 2026
- Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) (Illinois), date checked: Oct 26, 2026
- Indiana Commission for Higher Education (Indiana), date checked: Oct 26, 2026
- Iowa College Aid (Iowa Department of Education) (Iowa), date checked: Oct 26, 2026
- Kansas Board of Regents (Kansas), date checked: Oct 26, 2026
- Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA) (Kentucky), date checked: Oct 26, 2026
- Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA) (Louisiana), date checked: Oct 26, 2026
- Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) (Maine), date checked: Oct 26, 2026
- Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) (Maryland), date checked: Oct 26, 2026
- Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance (Massachusetts), date checked: Oct 26, 2026
- MI Student Aid (Michigan Department of Treasury) (Michigan), date checked: Oct 26, 2026
- Minnesota Office of Higher Education (Minnesota), date checked: Oct 26, 2026
- Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid (Mississippi), date checked: Oct 26, 2026
- Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (Missouri), date checked: Oct 26, 2026
- Montana University System, Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education (Montana), date checked: Oct 26, 2026
- Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education (Nebraska), date checked: Oct 26, 2026
- Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) (Nevada), date checked: Oct 26, 2026
- New Hampshire State Treasury (state scholarship programs) (New Hampshire), date checked: Oct 26, 2026
- Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) (New Jersey), date checked: Oct 26, 2026
- New Mexico Higher Education Department (New Mexico), date checked: Oct 26, 2026
- New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) (New York), date checked: Oct 26, 2026
- North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA) (North Carolina), date checked: Oct 26, 2026
- North Dakota University System (North Dakota), date checked: Oct 26, 2026
- Ohio Department of Higher Education (Ohio), date checked: Oct 26, 2026
- Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (Oklahoma), date checked: Oct 26, 2026
- Oregon Office of Student Access and Completion (Oregon Student Aid) (Oregon), date checked: Oct 26, 2026
- Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) (Pennsylvania), date checked: Oct 26, 2026
- Rhode Island Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner (Rhode Island), date checked: Oct 26, 2026
- South Carolina Commission on Higher Education (South Carolina), date checked: Oct 26, 2026
- South Dakota Board of Regents (South Dakota), date checked: Oct 26, 2026
- Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (College Pays) (Tennessee), date checked: Oct 26, 2026
- Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (Texas), date checked: Oct 26, 2026
- Utah System of Higher Education (Utah), date checked: Oct 26, 2026
- Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC) (Vermont), date checked: Oct 26, 2026
- State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) (Virginia), date checked: Oct 26, 2026
- Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) (Washington), date checked: Oct 26, 2026
- West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (College for West Virginia) (West Virginia), date checked: Oct 26, 2026
- Wisconsin Higher Educational Aids Board (HEAB) (Wisconsin), date checked: Oct 26, 2026
- Wyoming Department of Education (Hathaway Scholarship) (Wyoming), date checked: Oct 26, 2026
Common questions
What if I can't file the FAFSA?
Some states have their own aid application for students who can't file the FAFSA, and in a few states the colleges handle that form. This map shows 13 states with their own application, 3 where colleges handle a non-FAFSA form, and 35 where we found no state alternative. Pick your state in the table for the form name, who it is for, main state grants and the official agency.
How many states have their own aid application?
13 states have their own state aid application for students who can't file the FAFSA. Examples include Washington's WASFA, California's CADAA and Colorado's CASFA. Open a state in the table for the current name, link and who it covers.
Which states let colleges handle the non-FAFSA form?
In 3 states the colleges handle a non-FAFSA form rather than a single statewide application. The map labels those "Colleges handle a non-FAFSA form." Confirm the steps on your college's financial aid page and on the state agency link in the table.
Do most states use the FAFSA to award state grants?
Most states use the FAFSA to award their grants. Some states also have their own aid application for students who can't file the FAFSA. Rules, awards and deadlines can change, so confirm the details on the state agency's page before you apply.
How do I confirm the details for my state?
Pick your state on the map or in the table, then open the state agency link and the application or college instructions listed there. Use the priority deadline and notes as a starting point, and confirm on the agency's page before you apply.