We would like to provide you with advance notice of modernization enhancements planned for EDExpress 2027–28 for Windows that may require updates to your PC workstations and/or overall system. We are alerting you to these new system requirements to give your organization time to prepare and make any necessary changes to your environment. You may want to share this information with the appropriate technical staff at your school or institution. Please be aware that some details may change. We will provide updated information and guidance closer to the release date.
Note: EDExpress 2027–28 will be available for download in late September 2026, but it does not need to be installed until a school begins processing for 2027–28. These enhancements will have no impact on processing for 2026–27.
Beginning with the 2027–28 cycle, the EDExpress software will require Microsoft SQL Server and will be upgraded to a 64‑bit application. We are making these changes to improve reliability, performance, and security. SQL Server provides stronger support for multiple users, better protection against data corruption, and more robust network functionality compared to Microsoft Access. Also, updating EDExpress to a 64‑bit application ensures that the software can take advantage of modern hardware and operating systems.
EDExpress 2027–28 will support only Microsoft SQL Server (minimum version: SQL Server 2019). EDExpress will not support any other database systems (e.g., Oracle, PostgreSQL). Your organization must provide and maintain the SQL Server environment. EDExpress will not install SQL Server automatically.
If your organization already has SQL Server (2019 or newer), you can use that environment for EDExpress 2027–28. If not, you can install the free SQL Server Express edition.
Note the following requirements:
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Security: SQL Server Express edition has limited security features compared to the Standard or Enterprise editions. If you plan to use EDExpress 2027–28, you must ensure that the environment hosting SQL Server is properly secured to sufficiently protect student data. This is particularly important if your SQL Server is in a cloud environment.
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Database Creation: When EDExpress 2027–28 creates its database in SQL Server, you must provide a user ID with sufficient privileges. This can be either a SQL Server Login ID or a Windows User Account with rights to create a new database and a new SQL Server Login ID for EDExpress 2027–28. After setup, EDExpress 2027–28 will use its own dedicated SQL Server Login ID for ongoing access.
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Provide a copy of this message and attachment to your IT, technical, or EDExpress support staff, if applicable.
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Determine whether you already have SQL Server 2019 or newer.
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If you do not have SQL Server available, decide whether to install SQL Server Express or purchase a Standard or Enterprise edition.
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Ensure your SQL Server environment is properly secured, especially if using SQL Server Express.
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Plan for migration by keeping the prior version of the application installed until your settings have been imported into EDExpress 2027–28.
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Review your hardware against the new desktop application system requirements attached to this announcement and plan upgrades if necessary.
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Stay tuned for further updates as more details become available.
We appreciate your cooperation in preparing for this transition. This EDExpress upgrade will provide a more secure, reliable foundation that can support your data needs now and as they grow.
If you have questions regarding this message or its attachment, contact the FPS Help Desk at 1-800-330-5947 or by email at support@fps.ed.gov. The FPS Help Desk provides customer service for the FAFSA Processing System, the Student Aid Internet Gateway, and the EDExpress for Windows software.
The U.S. Department of Education strives to make all content accessible to everyone. While this document does not currently meet the standards of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, Federal Student Aid is working to create an accessible version. If you need access to this document before the accessible version is available, please contact the Information Technology Accessibility Program Help Desk at ITAPSupport@ed.gov to help facilitate.