The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2026-27 academic year is available, and Western Nevada College is encouraging students to complete the application as soon as possible to maximize their eligibility for financial aid.

Completing the FAFSA allows students to be considered for federal, state and institutional financial aid, including grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities and loans. Any student — regardless of income level — who plans to attend college during fall 2026, spring 2027 or summer 2027 should submit the FAFSA. Apply at wnc.edu/financial.

"Dedicated WNC Financial Aid staff are on hand to help families navigate the financial aid process!” said WNC Student Services Executive Director JW Lazzari. “We encourage families who are unsure of where to start to visit our office and we can help walk them through the process. The FAFSA been streamlined over the last few years and is easier than ever, but we are always here to help students at whatever stage of the process they are in." 

Generally, students can complete the application in about 30 minutes, especially if they have the necessary information ready, including an FSA ID, contributor email addresses (such as a parent or spouse), and income information if required. While students must complete the FAFSA every year, the process is straightforward with proper preparation.

“Completing the FAFSA is one of the most important steps students can take toward achieving their educational goals,” said WNC President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe. “With the FAFSA now open on time and the process simpler than ever, this is the moment for students and families to act. Financial aid can open doors to opportunity, and we want every student who plans to attend Western Nevada College to take full advantage of the resources available to them.”

The 2026-27 FAFSA continues to use “prior-prior year” tax data, meaning applicants will use income and tax information from their 2024 tax return. Students will not need to update their FAFSA after filing 2025 taxes, helping streamline the process.

Several updates have been introduced to make the FAFSA easier than ever. Starting with the 2026-27 application, students with a Social Security number can create an FSA ID and complete the FAFSA on the same day, thanks to a real-time match with the Social Security Administration. In addition, students now only need to provide a parent’s email address to invite them to complete their portion of the FAFSA, reducing errors and delays.

The updated FAFSA also eliminates the need for many families to report certain assets. Together, these changes make applying for financial aid faster, more accessible and less stressful for students and families.

Students who need assistance or have questions about the FAFSA are encouraged to contact the WNC Financial Aid Office at 775-445-3264 or email finaid1@wnc.edu.