FAFSA Simplification Act
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 of every year, the new FAFSA is launched. This year for 2024-2025 the FAFSA® opened at 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®).
Watch the video for more information
How do I get ready?
- Submit your FAFSA/WAFSA.
- 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!
How is 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