With changes to the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) policy, students should be aware of the alterations to ensure the highest chance to receive financial aid for their college of choice.
With the new changes, more students will be eligible for federal aid.
“With the new FAFSA formula, 610,000 additional students from low-income backgrounds will be eligible for Pell Grants who wouldn’t have been under the previous form,” according to NerdWallet. “Additionally, 1.5 million students will be newly eligible for the maximum Pell award: $7,395 per year.”
Emma Lane, school counselor and coordinator for the college and career center gave her perspective on the changes.
“Roughly 67% of district students qualify for Free and Reduced lunch programs, which directly correlates to FAFSA,” Lane said. “I think it is in every student’s best interest to complete the form!”
The 2024-2025 FAFSA questions have also been significantly shortened.
“The FAFSA Simplification Act represents a significant overhaul of the processes and systems used to offer federal student aid starting with the 2024-2025 academic year,” according to RoundRockISD. “This includes a more streamlined application process with a reduction in the maximum number of questions from 108 to 46 and expanded eligibility for student aid.”
Even though the starting date for FAFSA has been pushed back and the questions reduced, college deadlines haven’t budged.
“Students are twice as likely to receive financial help for college if they file the FAFSA early,” according to RoundRockISD. “Historically, the FAFSA has been available beginning October 1 each year. The delayed open date of the 2024-25 FAFSA significantly impacts the need for students to file their FAFSA early since college and university admission application deadlines will remain the same.”
Although the Selective service requirements and questions about drug usage have been removed and the use of the IRS Data Retrieval tool has sped up the process, students are now required to retrieve an FSA ID.
“My advice to students right now is to apply for your FSA ID as soon as possible,” Lane said. “Students and families will still need to have IDs, social security numbers, and an email address to begin the FSA ID process. It can take a few days to more than a week to establish an FSA ID, so the sooner you can complete this step the better. You cannot start the FAFSA without an FSA ID.”
Lane encourages students to come to her office and ask for help if they need to for FAFSA.
“I am happy to assist students and families with their FAFSA process,” Lane said. “I am in the College and Career Center Monday-Friday from 8-3:30 [PM]. I love utilizing my background in the area to help students in pursuing their college and/or career goals. This includes looking at various forms of funding post-secondary education, especially the FAFSA.”
