What's New for 2024-25?

The FAFSA Simplification Act, passed in 2021, aims to make it easier for students to apply for financial aid. These changes will affect the FAFSA form used for the 2024-25 academic year, starting in December 2023. The Act also changed how students qualify for Pell Grants. Here are some resources to help you grasp these updates.

Starting in March 2024, the Department of Education begins sending FAFSAs to schools. While the Financial Aid Office won't confirm receipt until May, you can track your 2024–25 FAFSA status on the Federal Student Aid website

 

SIGNIFICANT CHANGES TO THE 2024-25 FAFSA FORM

The new FAFSA form brings several changes:

• Questions reduced from 108 to 46.
• Students can list up to 20 colleges.
• Separate sections for students, parents, and spouses.
• Permission required for IRS data transfer.
• Missing consent may lead to incomplete application.
• Family size based on tax exemptions.
• Child support moved to asset section.Demographic questions in student section.
• Custodial parent defined by financial support.
• Two-step verification for FSA ID.

Preparing for the 2024-2025 FAFSA Application

Create an FSA ID: Students, spouses, parents, and stepparents, now called contributors, can make their FSA ID at https://studentaid.gov

Application Status:

• Draft: Incomplete section.
• In Progress: Completed section but not submitted.
• In Review: Submitted and processing.
• Processed: Successfully processed, no further action.
• Action Required: Further action needed.
• Closed: Missed federal deadline, cannot submit.

 

 Changes in Calculating Your Aid Eligibility

Understanding Student Aid Index