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2024-25 FAFSA Changes

2024-25 FAFSA Changes

Federal Student Aid announced a delay in the launch of the 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The 2024-25 FAFSA is scheduled to open in December 2023.

This delay is due to several updates and simplifications Federal Student Aid is implementing to improve the overall FAFSA process for students and families.

The FAFSA may be delayed but that doesn't mean you should delay creating your FSA ID. Be prepared and create your FSA ID today!

What's Changed for the 2024-25 FAFSA? Video

What's Changed for the 2024-25 FAFSA?

The FAFSA® experience is changing, so make sure you’re in the know.

  • Spouse or step-parent may need to participate as a contributor.
  • Federal tax information will be transferred directly from the IRS into the form.
  • Consent and approval for the transfer of federal tax information are required to be eligible.
  • Everyone must have their own StudentAid.gov account.
  • You can view more details about the status of your FAFSA form
  • If you complete the online FAFSA form, your information can be sent to up to 20 colleges, career schools or trade schools.

Terms to Know

  • Student Aid Index (SAI): Calculated by FAFSA data and will determine student aid eligibility. This replaces the EFC that was used in previous years.
  • Cost of Attendance (COA): COA includes tuition and fees, food and housing, books and supplies (including course materials and equipment), miscellaneous expenses, and transportation. 
  • Contributor: A parent, step-parent, student, or spouse of the student who is providing information to the FAFSA. 
  • Consent: Required from all contributors in order for the IRS to share tax data directly to the FAFSA. If any contributor does not provide consent, the student will automatically be ineligible for aid.
  • Direct Data Exchange (DDX): Previously known as IRS Data Retrieval; this tool imports tax data directly from the IRS to your FAFSA.
  • FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS): A summary of your completed FAFSA information. This replaces the Student Aid Report (SAR) that was used in previous years.

Ways to Prepare Now

  • Create your FSA ID. A Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID is required for all contributors including the student.
  • Gather 2022 Federal Tax Information and W-2s. All contributors will need this information, if applicable.
  • Determine who your contributors are. The FAFSA will also offer assistance when filing. Students, parents, step-parents, and a student’s spouse may be considered contributors.

Contributor Example(s)

Parent(s) Marital Status FAFSA Action
Parents are married to each other Need both parents' information
Parents are legally separated/divorced Use information from the parent that provides a majority of financial support
 Parent is remarried to step-parent  If remarried parent has custody, use both parent and step-parent income
 Parents were never married, not living together Use information from parent that provides majority of financial support
 Parents were never married, but are living together Use both parents' information

2024-25 FAFSA FAQ Videos

Federal Student Aid has launched new FAQ videos to help you throughout this process. 

All FAFSA FAQ Videos

2024-25 FAFSA FAQ Videos Video