The passage of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Simplification Act means there is a new, better and streamlined FAFSA process for students that expands Pell Grant availability for students. The application is available for submission at studentaid.gov Please be sure to complete your FAFSA early. Additionally, you can explore our scholarship opportunities by visiting our scholarship page.
Be advised that we’re unable to estimate when 2024-2025 financial aid offers will be available as application processing times are currently delayed for the 2024-2025 FAFSA form. Please check back for updates.
All students and contributors must have an FSA ID to apply. To obtain an FSA ID, go to https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch and create an account. All students and contributors must provide consent to share their tax information in the application. Failure to provide consent on the FAFSA will deem the application incomplete and the student will not be eligible for federal student aid.
You can find further information and a step-by-step guide to creating your FSA ID at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTb7hMVtzco&t=60s
What is Changing?
The FAFSA will be shorter and more user friendly
FAFSA questions have been reduced from 108 questions down to 46. Additionally, the dynamic nature of the FAFSA may reduce the number of questions even further.
What does the term “contributor” mean and who can be a contributor?
Contributor is a new term introduced on the 2024-25 FAFSA form. Contributor refers to anyone required to provide information on a student's form (such as a parent/stepparent or spouse). A Contributor is NOT a grandparent, foster parents, legal guardian, brother or sister, aunt or uncle, even if they helped provide for or raise the student.
Contributors must provide consent as well as both personal and financial information in their own sections of the FAFSA form. Being a contributor does not mean they are financially responsible for the student's education costs, but it does mean the contributor must provide information on the FAFSA or the application will be incomplete and the student will not be eligible for federal student aid.
Applicants will be required to give consent when providing Federal Tax Income information
Beginning with the 2024-25 FAFSA, all persons listing tax information are required to give consent when providing their federal tax information.
- Even when the contributor does not have a social security number, didn’t file taxes, or filed a foreign tax return, consent must be provided.
- Consent is provided by using a FSA ID. Consent is very important and must be provided to receive a valid FAFSA so we can secure your federal financial aid.
All contributors must provide financial information and have an FSA ID
For the 2024-25, the FSA ID must be used for all contributors. Its use is an important step for consent and a complete, valid FAFSA.
- To obtain an FSA ID, go to studentaid.gov and create your account today!
- Click here for assistance and a short clip for assistance with your FSA ID steps.
The Student Aid Index (SAI) is replacing the Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
In previous years the FAFSA calculated an Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The new FAFSA will provide the Student Aid Index (SAI). This is the index that will determine the amount of Pell Grant and Direct Loans you will qualify for. The new index promises to more accurately calculate Pell Grants for the majority of students.
- Number of siblings in college is no longer a factor.
- SAI will provide more automatic Pell Grants linked to published federal poverty guidelines. The SAI can also be a negative number.
- Larger Income Protection allowances.
- Expanded access to Pell Grants.
Some students will automatically be awarded a Pell Grant
Beginning with the 2024–25 award year, Pell Grant awards will be determined in one of three ways: maximum Pell Grant, calculated scheduled Pell Grant, and minimum Pell Grant. Criteria for eligibility will be based upon adjusted gross income, family size, and federal poverty guidelines. Because of these changes, more students will now be eligible or may now qualify for a larger award than in the past.