We are pleased to announce the availability of EDExpress for Windows 2027–28, Release 1.0, on the Software and Other Tools page of the Knowledge Center website. This release contains Global, Application Processing, Packaging, and College Financing Plan functionality for the 2027–28 cycle.
In addition, the following EDExpress 2027–28 documents are available for download on the Knowledge Center website:
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EDExpress for Windows 2027–28 Installation Guide (provides technical guidance regarding installation and initial setup of Release 1.0 and subsequent versions)
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EDExpress for Windows 2027–28, Release 1.0 Cover Letter (provides information regarding enhancements available in Release 1.0)
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EDExpress for Windows 2027-28, Release 1.0 Desk Reference (covers Global, Application Processing, Packaging, and College Financing Plan functionality)
The 2027–28 Packaging Technical Reference, which provides technical guidance and record layouts for use with the EDExpress 2027–28 Packaging module, is also available on the Knowledge Center website.
Release 1.0 functionality is consistent with the most recent Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form and Institutional Student Information Record changes for 2027–28, including updates implemented during beta testing.
EDExpress 2027–28 introduces a new database format using Microsoft’s SQL Server and upgrades the software to a 64-bit application. These changes 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 the prior format. Also, updating EDExpress to a 64‑bit application ensures the software can take advantage of modern hardware and operating systems.
In the June 24, 2026, Electronic Announcement, we informed users that they must have the Express (free), Standard, or Enterprise version of Microsoft SQL Server (minimum version: SQL Server 2019) to run EDExpress 2027–28. No other database systems (e.g., Oracle, PostgreSQL) are supported. Your organization must provide and maintain the SQL Server environment. EDExpress does not install SQL Server.
We enhanced the “Getting Started” process that you run initially after installing EDExpress 2027–28 to assist SQL Server Express users with configuration settings. See the section below for more information.
For more information about the SQL Server requirement, please review the June 24, 2026, Electronic Announcement, which includes a Frequently Asked Questions attachment, and the EDExpress for Windows 2027–2028 Installation Guide.
During the installation of EDExpress 2027–28, you are only required to confirm the location on your workstation where you want software program files installed. All other initial configuration settings and options, including creating a new EDExpress database or connecting to an existing database, are part of the “Getting Started” process you run when you start the software for the first time following installation.
During the installation of EDExpress 2027–28, Release 1.0, you may be prompted to install Microsoft .NET Desktop Runtime version 10.0 on your workstation. This is a required component for EDExpress, and we recommend allowing the installation to proceed.
For more information about EDExpress software and hardware recommendations and requirements, see the EDExpress 2027–28 Installation Guide.
When you first access EDExpress 2027–28 after installation, select Get Started on the Welcome screen to initiate a “wizard” feature that assists you with the following:
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Selecting optional EDExpress functionality (Packaging and College Financing Plan for Release 1.0) to install or omit from your iteration of the software. Note: Global and Application Processing functionality is installed automatically and cannot be excluded.
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Defining default SQL Server settings and configuration for accessing and using the EDExpress 2027–28 database.
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Connecting to an existing 2027–28 EDExpress database or creating a new 2027–28 database. This step includes defining or providing an application password used by EDExpress to connect to SQL Server.
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(Optional) Running prior-year import to carry forward setup parameters, queries, and file formats from your 2026–27 database to your 2027–28 database. Note: This option is only available if you are creating a new EDExpress 2027–28 database.
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(First-time EDExpress users only) Establishing a new user ID and password for a primary user. This ID is created automatically in the Express Administration security group and has access to all software functions by default.
If you want to run EDExpress in a networked environment with a shared database, run the “Getting Started” process initially to create the database, establish SQL Server settings, and complete prior-year import and security options, then repeat the process on each workstation in your office that will access the EDExpress software and connect to the 2027–28 database you created using the application password.
New EDExpress passwords must be a minimum of 12 characters and must include at least one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number, and one keyboard character that is not a letter or number (such as an exclamation mark or other punctuation symbol). You can adjust the minimum password length and other requirements in the “Password Setup” screen in “Global Setup” after your initial login.
Note: EDExpress administrators at your school should create unique user IDs in “Security Users Setup” with the necessary access (based on the associated security group) and log into the software under those IDs for most software tasks they perform.
For more detailed information about EDExpress 2027–28 installation and initial setup, see the EDExpress 2027–28 Installation Guide. You can also review the EDExpress SQL Database training course on the FSA Training Center, described in the Sept. 17, 2026, Training Announcement.
If you have questions regarding this message, please contact the FAFSA Processing System (FPS) Help Desk at 1-800-330-5947 or by email at support@fps.ed.gov. The Help Desk provides customer service for FPS, the Student Aid Internet Gateway, and the EDExpress for Windows software.