The 2024–25 FAFSA has many changes due to the FAFSA Simplification Act.
When will the 2024–25 FAFSA be available?
Usually, the FAFSA opens in October each year. However, due to the changes the 2024-25 FAFSA is expected to be available in December 2023. Exact dates will be posted on this page once it is announced.
What is changing?
The FAFSA will be shorter
The maximum number of questions will be reduced from 108 to 46. Some students may not even need to answer 46 questions.
Contributors
A contributor is anyone who is asked to provide information on the student’s FAFSA, including: the student, student’s spouse (if applicable), biological or adoptive parent, or the parent’s spouse (such as a stepparent). Being a contributor does not imply responsibility for the student’s college costs.
All those reporting income and tax data on the FAFSA will need to have an FSA ID. If married individuals file their taxes separately, each will need their own FSA ID. If you haven't previously used an FSA ID, create one today.
Income and Tax Data
Students and contributors will have to provide consent to have their Federal Tax Information transferred from the IRS. Previously users could choose to enter tax information manually or use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool. Beginning 2024-25, all users will be required to use the IRS Data Exchange or confirm a non-filing tax status.
Student Aid Index (SAI) replaces the Estimated Family Contribution (EFC)
The SAI determines eligibility for federal student aid. This number, unlike the EFC, can be negative down to -1500.
Divorced or Separated Parents
Previously financial information was needed from the parent(s) the student had lived with the most in the last 12 months. For the 2024-25 FAFSA income and asset information will now be required from the parent who has provided the most financial support to the student. If this parent has remarried, both the parent and stepparent’s information is required. If both biological parents provide equal support, the student is then instructed to include the parental data of the parent who earned more.
Number of Students in College No Longer Factored
Previously the FAFSA calculated the number of household members attending college into the EFC. Beginning with the 2024-25 FAFSA, the application will still ask how many household members are in college, but the answer will not be calculated in the SAI.
Automatic Pell Grants
Some students may automatically be awarded a Pell Grant based on family size and the federal poverty level. Families making less than 175% and single parents making less than 225% of the federal poverty level will see their students receive a maximum Federal Pell Grant award. Minimum Pell Grants will be guaranteed to students from households below 275%, 325%, 350%, or 400% of the poverty level, depending on household structure. Pell awards between the maximum and minimum amounts will be determined by SAI.
Inclusion of Family Farms and Small Businesses
The net worth of any small business or farm must be included on the 2024-25 FAFSA. Previously, the value of a family farm or small business with fewer than 100 employees was not reported.