FAFSA SIMPLIFICATION: 7 CHANGES TO EXPECT By Anna Helhoski and Trea Branch
The new FAFSA is expected to have a streamlined application and an easier path to eligibility. When will the new FAFSA be available? The redesigned FAFSA is expected to launch in December 2023 for the 2024-25 academic year – a delay from the typical October 1 release date. You can still submit the 2023-24 FAFSA until June 30, 2024. Stay tuned for more updates on the new FAFSA deadline. Long-awaited changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form aim to make completing the form easier, unlocking grants, loans and other funds to pay for college. The simplification effort also expands eligibility for many types of student aid. Changes include a shorter form, simplified questions and data that’s automatically populated by the IRS (for tax filers). The FAFSA Simplification Act was bundled into the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. Many changes to the FAFSA are effective as of July 1, 2023, with all changes to be implemented by the 2024-2025 academic year.
DIVE DEEPER INTO FAFSA
• When you need to apply: Find out the FAFSA deadline • How much aid you’ll get: Estimate your financial aid award • What’s on your FAFSA checklist: What you’ll need to complete the application • FAFSA FAQs: Your FAFSA questions, answered
Here’s what’s in store for the new FAFSA.
TWO ROADBLOCK QUESTIONS WILL BE REMOVED
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Students no longer must register for the Selective Service in order to complete the FAFSA, and the question will be removed from the application. Drug-related convictions alone will no longer disqualify applicants, and the question won’t be included on the FAFSA.
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