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Better FAFSA Updates

Why is the FAFSA Changing?

On December 27, 2020, Congress passed the FAFSA Simplification Act as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. This law reduces the number of questions students will have to answer on the form, makes crucial changes to the Higher Education Act of 1965 to expand Pell Grant eligibility and removes outdated restrictions to make federal student aid more accessible to all students. 

FAFSA Simplification Highlights

  • The 2024-2025 FAFSA will not be available until the end of December 2023.
  • The number of questions will be reduced, and the application will maximize the use of previously collected data.
  • Students can list up to 20 schools on their FAFSA via the online application.
  • Eligibility for federal financial aid will be expanded with a new need-analysis formula.
  • Data sharing with the IRS will be enhanced.
  • There will be two-step verification and all FAFSA contributors must have an FSA ID to log into the online form. There will be a new process to get an FSA ID for parents and spouses without a Social Security number.
  • FAFSA resources will be available in the 11 most common languages.

Key FAFSA Terminology Changes

Some key terminology is changing on the new FAFSA application. Click each of the blocks to learn more.

Details about Key FAFSA Changes

Here you will find details about key changes on the new FAFSA application. You can see a full list of the changes for the 2024-2025 award year here.

Before You Start the FAFSA

  • Create or reconfirm your FSA ID. Everyone who needs to provide information on the FAFSA needs an FSA ID. This includes the student, the student's parents or stepparents (if the student is a dependent), and the student's spouse (if applicable).
  • Gather your tax information. You will need to provide tax information for the student and their parents or stepparents, if applicable.

Steps to Complete the FAFSA

  1. Go to studentaid.gov and log in with your FSA ID.
  2. Complete the Student Section of the FAFSA.
  3. Indicate any contributors to your FAFSA. This includes your parents or stepparents (if you are a dependent student) and your spouse (if applicable).
  4. Ask your contributors to create FSA IDs and complete their sections of the FAFSA.
  5. Review your FAFSA and submit it.