FAFSA Simplification Act
The biggest changes in 40 years to Financial Aid will start with the 2024-2025 academic year.
What Is It? Why Is It Changing?
The biggest changes in 40 years will be happening in Financial Aid starting the 2024-2025 academic year. Are you ready? This webpage will be updated as the Financial Aid Office prepares for these changes, so you can stay informed about your Financial Aid resources, and the changes ahead.
The FAFSA Simplification Act represents a significant overhaul of the processes and systems used to award federal student aid starting with the 2024–25 award year. Some changes have already gone into effect in prior academic years, but the largest changes are occurring in 2024-25. This includes changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form, need analysis, and many policies and procedures for schools that participate in federal student aid programs. These changes will alter how it looks for students to apply for aid through the FAFSA® form and the methodology for determining what aid students may be eligible for.
What Does This Mean for You?
Your 2024-2025 FAFSA® process will be different, but the Financial Aid Office is here for you! This webpage will keep you updated with the most recent information.
What Is Changing?
- 2024-2025 FAFSA Release Date
- Usually, October 1st the new FAFSA is launched, for 2024-2025 expect the FAFSA® to open by the end of December 2023.
- Say goodbye to “EFC” (expected family contribution) and hello to “SAI” (student aid
index)
- This number measures the student and/or family’s ability to pay for college. The new need analysis formula allows for a potential SAI as low as -1500 and implements a separate eligibility criterion for determining Federal Pell Grants.
- Expanded Access to Federal Pell Grant
- Expanded eligibility based on family size (not including number in college) and federal poverty level will allow for more students to receive Federal Pell Grants
- Incarcerated students in federal and state penal facilities may be able to receive Federal Pell Grants
- Federal Pell Grant lifetime eligibility will be restored to students whose school closed when they were enrolled or if the school is found to have misled the student
- Streamlined FAFSA® Form
- Fewer questions will be asked, and federal tax data will automatically be transferred from the IRS starting with the 2024-25 FAFSA®
- New Terminology
- With the 2024-2025 FAFSA® you will see and hear words such as contributor (anyone who is asked to provide information on the FAFSA® like a parent or spouse) and consent (each required contributor will be required to consent to their information being included on the FAFSA®).
How Can You Prepare?
- Ensure to mark your calendars for December 2023, watch for the 2024-2025 FAFSA® release. Once an official date is known, we will update you here.
- See how the FAFSA Simplification changes impact what you may qualify for. Use the Federal Student Aid Estimator to see what you may now be eligible for.
- Check back here for the most recent updates!
Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA)
How Is the WASFA Being Impacted?
- The Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) for 2024-2025, will be delayed and be available in December 2023.
- This page will be updated with WASFA changes and how state aid is impacted.
- Follow Washington Student Achievement Council’s WASFA website as well for additional resources