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FAFSA Simplification Act

The biggest changes in 40 years has happened in Financial Aid starting with the 2024-2025 academic year.

What is it? Why did it change?

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. 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 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 is different than previous years, but the Financial Aid Office is here for you! This webpage will keep you updated with the most recent information.

What Changed?

2024-2025 FAFSA Release Date

As of December 31, 2023, the 2024-25 FAFSA is available. Click here to begin.

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 is 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 are asked, and federal tax data is automatically transferred from the IRS starting with the 2024-25 FAFSA®

New Terminology

Beginning 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

What isn’t changing?

The types of aid available to Walla Walla Community College students
The FAFSA is still required to be submitted every year
Dependency status questions that determine if your parent(s) must complete the FAFSA remain the same
Tax information from the prior-prior year is still collected.
The questions regarding an applicant’s gender, race and ethnicity have no effect on federal student aid eligibility and are collected for statistical purposes only by the Department of Education. Walla Walla Community College does not receive this information from the FAFSA, and you can opt out of answering these questions with no impact to your application.

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

FAFSA/WAFSA Simplification Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of information do I need to have ready when I fill out the new FAFSA form?

You’ll first create your FSA ID or username and password. Then, have the following documents gathered to help you complete the form:

Untaxed income or benefits
Cash, savings, checking account balances
Investments other than the home you live in
You can now link tax information automatically by using the IRS data retrieval tool

What is an FSA ID?

The Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID) is a username and password combination you use to log in to the U.S. Department of Education online systems. You create your FSA ID at StudentAid.gov

It takes one-to-three days for an FSA ID to go through the verification process. Set up your FSA ID prior to starting your FAFSA form.

When you create your account, be careful to enter your name and Social Security number (SSN) exactly as they appear on your Social Security card.

What is the Federal School Code for Walla Walla Community College?

WWCC’s Federal School Code is 005006

Do my parents or spouse need to fill out the form?

Yes – on the 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).

The FAFSA is a role-based form. All contributors need a studentaid.gov account and FAFSA ID before accessing and completing their section of the online FAFSA form.

When you log in, you will only have access to student questions. When a parent or spouse logs in, they will only have access to questions that pertain to their role. When the final contributor finishes their section, the form will be submitted.

FSA is in the process of enhancing the FSA ID process so that individuals without Social Security numbers will be able to establish an FSA ID to access and sign the FAFSA. Check back here for the latest updates on the implementation of this fix.