The 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will be available to complete in December 2023. The United States Department of Education, Federal Student Aid (FSA) Office is working on several changes to make federal aid more accessible for students and families. In some instances, however, it may reduce aid eligibility.

Why is it changing?

The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021:

Future Act

• Allows the Department of Education to automatically obtain federal tax information from the IRS for students, parents, and other contributors (such as a spouse or stepparent).
• Requires consent from students and other contributors separately.

FAFSA Simplification Act

• Introduces significant changes to the FAFSA application process, including changes to the FAFSA form.
• Changes in how students complete the application.
• Changes in eligibility calculation. 

The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022:

FAFSA Simplification Technical Corrections Act

• Extended FAFSA simplification timeline.
• Updated language associated with Cost of Attendance (COA)
• Provided additional flexibility for assisting students with unusual circumstances.
• Modified the terms and conditions for students that qualify for Pell Grant funds based upon meeting special conditions currently associated with the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant and the Children of Fallen Heroes Grant.

What Changes Have Happened?

The phased approach began with the 2021-2022 award year, with full implementation planned for the 2024-25 award year. Changes so far and upcoming.

Click on the links to verify some of the current Policies and Procedures with updated changes and requirements:
Cost of Attendance (COA)
Consumer Information
Federal Work-Study

To learn more information about the FAFSA Simplification Implementation Timeline click the link below:

What Is Not Changing?

The phased approach began with the 2021-2022 award year, with full implementation planned for the 2024-25 award year. Changes so far and upcoming.

These federal aid requirements, rights and responsibilities have not changed or had minor updates:

1. The FAFSA remains required annually for federal aid consideration and is available to U.S. Citizens or Eligible Non-Citizens. How to complete a FAFSA
2. Questions introduced in 2023-24 about the applicant's sex, race, and ethnicity have no effect on federal student aid eligibility and remain only for statistical purposes.
3. Dependency status questions to determine if your parents must provide their information remain the same.
4. FAFSA will still request prior-prior year tax information. Families that had significant reduction in income due to extenuating circumstances can still request a Professional Judgement (Special Circumstance) review through their Campus Financial Services Advisor or by emailing [email protected]
5. Federal Education Loans requirements remain the same.
6. Federal Aid Rights & Responsibilities also didn't change.
   a. Withdrawing Early
   b. Participation Requirements
7. Academic Requirements for Federal Aid are still required to maintain eligibility.