2024-2025 FAFSA Updates
 

  • The FAFSA® is projected to open in December (delayed from the usual Oct 1 open date)
  • The new FAFSA® form will be shorter (fewer questions)
  • The language on the FAFSA® is more closely aligned with the language on income tax returns
  • The SAI (Student Aid Index) replaces the EFC (Expected Family Contribution), and contains new formulas for calculating eligibility. In particular: 
  • Having multiple children in college will no longer reduce SAI, which may result in reduced eligibility for financial aid for some families.
  • Qualified 529 distributions from grandparents, etc. will not reduce aid
  • Education savings accounts will only be counted if designated for the specific student. (ESAs for other children won’t be considered.)
  • Eligibility for the Pell Grant is expanded to families earning 225% of the poverty line (so about $67,500 for a family of four)
  • For divorced parents, families will need to report the parent who provides the most financial support for the child.
FAFSA Guide FAFSA-Online Application
Common FAFSA Errors Create Parent & Student FSA ID