FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. When you submit this application, you can be considered for federal aid money in grants (Pell Grant) and loans (subsidized and unsubsidized) and some need-based scholarships and programs within universities. Even if you do not think you will qualify for aid, it is important to fill out the FAFSA because some schools require it for other funding opportunities.

Opening Date

• FAFSA will now open on December 1st!

No More EFC

• Expected Family Contribution (EFC) was a misleading term that students misinterpreted as how much families have to pay after aid. Student Aid Index (SAI) is a new term that calculates the need based aid a student is eligible to receive.

Less Questions

• FAFSA will go from asking about 108 questions, to the new and updated version that will only ask about 36 questions.

Aid Amount Changes

• LESS Aid for Multiple Children in College

  • Need-based financial aid no longer considers how many children attend college at the same time

  • Families can appeal for more aid based on multiple children attending college

• MORE Aid for Single Parents

  • Income Protection Allowance increases up to 60% ($6,500)

  • Greater eligibility for max. Pell Grant (-$7,395 based on 2023-2024)

Selective Service & Drug Conviction Removed

The FAFSA is now role based. Students & parents will select contributor

• Students must invite parents to contribute to the FAFSA

• All contributors must give consent for their Federal tax Information

Parents

• Parent who provides most financial support

Student information:

• Social Security Number or Alien Registration Number

• 2023 income tax refunds (if filed), W-2, and any other documents that may report income or money earned

• FSA ID

Parent information:

• Social Security Number or Alien Registration Number

• Parent Birthday

• Date of marriage, separation, or divorce if applicable

• 2023 income tax refunds, W-2, and any other documents that may report income or money earned

  • If applicable: bank and investment information and records of untaxed income

• FSA ID 

• Phone Number and/or Personal ID

The FSA ID allows students and parents to identify themselves electronically to access Federal Student Aid websites. It also allows you to electronically sign your FAFSA and more quickly get it processed. It consist of a username and password.

Visit fsaid.ed.gov to create your FSA ID.

• Students and their parents/guardians MUST each create an ID.

• Do NOT use your high school email address. Use a personal email.

Here is a video guide to help you throughout this process: www.youtube.com/watch?v=yj1Pn-shze8