As graduation ceremonies continue across the district this week, Miami-Dade County Public Schools has earned the highest FAFSA completion rate in Florida for the 2025-26 academic year, according to newly released results from the Florida College Access Network.
The district recorded a FAFSA completion rate of 59.8%, surpassing the statewide average of 50.9% and outperforming other large school districts across the state.
The recognition highlights the district’s efforts to expand college access and strengthen postsecondary planning for students across all socioeconomic backgrounds. District officials credited the achievement to the work of CAP advisors and high school student services teams, which assist students throughout the financial aid application process.
The annual Florida FAFSA Challenge encourages schools and districts statewide to improve completion rates for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly known as FAFSA. The application serves as the primary gateway for students seeking access to federal grants, student loans and work-study funding for college.
The district’s performance was also recognized earlier this month during FCAN’s Talent Strong Florida 2026 Summit in Tampa, where Miami-Dade schools and district leaders received seven awards.
Miami-Dade County Public Schools received the FAFSA Challenge District MVP award, while several individual schools were also honored for achievement and improvement in FAFSA completion rates.
Among the award recipients were Hialeah Gardens Senior High School, which earned MVP honors among extra-large schools; Coral Reef Senior High School for large schools; and TERRA Environmental Research Institute for medium schools.
Additional honors went to School for Advanced Studies Homestead, which received the MVP award among regular schools; Maritime and Science Technology Academy for most improved among medium schools; and Law Enforcement Officers Memorial High School for most improved among regular schools.
District officials said the recognition reflects a broader commitment to increasing college affordability and ensuring students have access to opportunities beyond high school.
