News You can apply for FAFSA college aid money starting Oct. 1, but avoid these 3 pitfalls October 1, 2019October 1, 2019Aimee Picchi, Special to USA TODAYComments Off on You can apply for FAFSA college aid money starting Oct. 1, but avoid these 3 pitfalls FAFSA rolls out Oct. 1 for students who plan to go to college in fall 2020. Experts say students should file FAFSAs as soon after Oct. 1 as possible.