FAFSA® Simplification Act: On Dec. 27, 2020, Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act. The law includes provisions that amend the Fostering Undergraduate Talent by Unlocking Resources for Education (FUTURE) Act and includes the FAFSA Simplification Act—a sweeping redesign of the processes and systems used to award federal student aid. Specifically, the law makes it easier for students and families to complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form and expands access to federal student aid.

What's Changing?

• 2024-2025 FAFSA completion date
  • Normally the FAFSA becomes available October 1st each year, but the 2024-2025 FAFSA will be available by the end of December 2023.
• The term “EFC” (expected family contribution) is changing.
  • With the 2024-2025 FAFSA, the term Expected Family Contribution (EFC) will be replaced with the Student Aid Index (SAI) – this is a new need analysis formula that we will use when awarding need-based grants and scholarships.
• Streamlined application
  • You’ll notice fewer questions when completing the 2024-2025 FAFSA and an easier way to transfer tax information directly from the IRS.
• New terminology
  • You’ll notice a few new terms like "contributor" (anyone who is asked to provide information on the FAFSA, a parent or student spouse for example) and "consent" (each contributor will need to consent to their information being included on the FAFSA).

Get FAFSA Ready

• The 2024-2025 FAFSA is now available to complete.
• Determine if or which parent is considered a Contributor for the FAFSA.
• Collect your tax information
• You will need 2022 federal tax information for the student and Contributor(s), including net business and/or farm values.
• Check back for updates
• This is the biggest update to the FAFSA in 40 years! We will update here as more information is available.
• Attend a financial aid presentation
  • Regional Campus students can contact your Regional Campus representative.
• Review the Federal Student Aid YouTube channel for helpful videos.