LPS FAFSA Completion Guidelines for Graduating Seniors
Fund Your Future – File Your FAFSA
The 2026-27 FAFSA opens on Oct. 1, 2025
Talk to your counselor about your options.
Lincoln Public Schools is dedicated to preparing ALL students for successful careers, lifelong learning and civic engagement.
Helping our students achieve their higher education dreams is a part of fostering lifelong learners. College is attainable and can be affordable by utilizing federal dollars. This is why we encourage our graduating seniors to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
What is the FAFSA?
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an online form by the U.S. Department of Education to help colleges and career schools determine what federal money is available to help students pay for school. Students attending college must complete the application every school year.
The types of financial aid that you could receive from completing the FAFSA include grants like the Pell Grant, scholarships, work-study funds and student loans.
Why do Nebraska seniors have to complete a FAFSA?
In 2023, Nebraska revised the state statute about graduation requirements (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 79-729) regarding FAFSA.
LPS graduating seniors have two options to fulfill this requirement:
- Complete the FAFSA, or
- Opt out of completing the FAFSA by the end of the school year. (You can still complete the FAFSA later.)
LPS school counselors are committed to helping students make the best post-graduation choices for themselves and providing the necessary support.
The 2026-27 FAFSA opens on Oct. 1, 2025
Talk to your counselor about your options.
Why do the FAFSA?
Filing the FAFSA is a crucial step in funding your future. It is reported that millions of federal dollars go unclaimed every year by graduating seniors who do not fill out the FAFSA. Don’t leave money on the table!
- High school seniors left more than $4 billion behind in Pell Grants in 2024 by not completing a FAFSA.
- The U.S. Department of Education updated and simplified the FAFSA in 2023.
- The new FAFSA form has expanded eligibility allowing up to 610,000 more students to qualify for federal student aid.
- The new FAFSA now gives students access to an additional $1.8 billion in federal student aid.
- Are you planning to stay closer to home for college? Several Nebraska colleges and universities offer free tuition for first-time undergraduate students who are eligible for the Pell Grant.
Need help?
LPS school counselors are here to make your post-graduation goals accessible.
Below are some FAFSA resources:
- Meet with your school counselor.
- Check out events from your counseling center relating to FAFSA and college aid.
- Visit EducationQuest’s website to access FAFSA help tools or schedule an appointment with one of its advisors at your school.
- Browse the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov for additional support.
- Collaborate with your college or university’s financial aid office.
- Watch this five-minute FAFSA how-to video (below).
LPS Contact
Lori Hemmett
School Counseling Supervisor
lhemmett@lps.org | 402-436-1662
