Changes to FAFSA

The 2025-2026 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now available at studentaid.gov.

Check out our FAFSA Simplification page for more information on the changes. We will update this page as more information becomes available.

Fewer Questions

The 2024-25 FAFSA will have fewer questions than in previous years. The new FAFSA will also make it easier for students and parents to import their tax information directly from the IRS. This means that you will spend less time manually entering information.

FAFSA Submission, Contributors and Deletion

A FAFSA cannot be considered submitted until all required contributors have completed, signed, and submitted their respective sections. When a student or other contributor completes their section of the online FAFSA, they will invite the other contributor(s) to log in and complete their own sections of the FAFSA. The other contributor(s) will then receive the invitation and reminder emails every 7 days throughout that 45-day period until the FAFSA is submitted. If a contributor does not complete their section within that 45-day window, and there is no other activity, the FAFSA will be deleted, and all contributors (including the student) will have to start over.

FSA IDs are Required

The FSA ID is FAFSA’s version of a username and password. If you have logged onto the Federal Student Aid website before, you may already have an FSA ID. Previously, an FSA ID was not required in order to fill out or sign the FAFSA. However, this is changing with the 2024-25 FAFSA. All contributors to the FAFSA will be required to have an FSA ID to fill out and/or sign the FAFSA. A contributor is anyone who is asked to provide information on the FAFSA including:

  • The student
  • The student’s spouse (if applicable)
  • A biological or adoptive parent
  • A stepparent if the parent on the FAFSA is remarried

Currently, a Social Security Number (SSN) is required to create an FSA ID; however, parents and other contributors who do not have an SSN will be able to create their own FSA ID when the 2024-25 FAFSA is released.

Changes to Family Contribution

Currently, FAFSA uses the information entered on the application to determine a student’s Estimated Family Contribution (EFC). This number is then used by colleges to determine a student’s need-based financial aid eligibility. The new 2024-25 FAFSA will be replacing the EFC with the Student Aid Index (SAI). Along with having a new name, the SAI will use a new formula to determine financial aid eligibility. This new formula is more streamlined and is designed to expand need-based financial aid eligibility. This means that students may receive new or increased awards compared to previous years. The Federal Student Aid Estimator is a great tool to estimate SAI and some federal aid for the 2024-25 award year.

What is needed to complete the FAFSA?

Create an FSA ID

FSA IDs are required for all FAFSA contributors including students, spouses and parents. If you do not already have an FSA ID, now is time to create one. The process to confirm identity can take up to 3 days. FSA IDs can be created on the Federal Student Aid website. The Federal Student Aid YouTube channel has a helpful video on how to create an FSA ID.

Gather Required Information

While the new FAFSA will have less questions, you may still have to provide some information that isn’t readily available. Here are some examples of information to have ready for when the FAFSA releases:

  • 2022 income tax returns and W-2s in the event tax information cannot be imported
  • Records of investments and assets
  • Child support information (if applicable)
  • Social Security Numbers (SSNs) and other personal information for the student and parent(s)

How to check the status of your 2024-25 FAFSA Applications:

  1. Login to studentaid.gov using your username and password (FSAID)
  2. Navigate to account dashboard
  3. Select 2024-25 FAFSA form, from "My Activity Page".

    The application status will be one of the following:

    • Draft: Your section of FAFSA form is incomplete
    • In Progress: You provided your consent, approval and signature to your section of the FAFSA form, but the FAFSA has not been submitted yet
    • In Review: Your FAFSA form has been submitted and is still processing
    • Processed: Your application is processed and no further action is required
    • Action Required: Your application requires further action from you and/or your contributor(s). In some cases you may need to contact your school to help resolve the issue.
    • Closed: Your FAFSA form was never submitted and can no longer be submitted because the federal deadline has passed.

Most common reasons why the 2024-25 FAFSA did not process, avoid the following:

  • Parent(s) did not Provide Consent to retrieve and Disclose Federal Tax Information (FTI)
    • Dependent students (anyone under the age of 24) must acquire the consent from the parent to provide tax information. If the student does not acquire the parent's consent, the FAFSA is rejected by the U.S. Department of Education and the Financial Aid office cannot process your Offer Letter.
  • Parent(s) Signature Missing
    • Dependent students must have their parent(s) electronically sign the FAFSA. The FAFSA is rejected by the U.S. Department of Education and the Financial Aid Office cannot process your Offer Letter. If you have special circumstances, please contact the Mott Financial Financial Aid Office for assistance.
  • Dependent Student Unsubsidized Only
    • Student has "checked" the box indicating their parent(s) will not provide information. This is an option on the FAFSA, however you will not be eligible for Federal Pell grant, Federal SEOG, or Federal College Work-study. You will only be eligible to receive the Unsubsidized Federal Loan. Interest starts to accrue 60 days after your 1st disbursement.

If one of the above issues exists, you are Not Eligible to receive Federal Financial Aid. Ensuring your application is accurately completed will eliminate a delay in processing your Financial Aid Offer Letter. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Financial Office.