As the academic year begins, many seniors in high school turn to the college application process which typically includes filling out the FAFSA. Families new to the process will be met with the same user-friendly version of the application as returning users. Some of these FAFSA changes include a shortened form, expanded eligibility for some students, and a new formula to calculate a family’s contribution, to name a few changes. To prepare your family for the changes to the FAFSA, review the highlights below.

2024 FAFSA Changes

1. The new form will have almost half of the questions.
2. The Direct Data Exchange with the IRS to import Federal Tax Information is also part of the Simplification Act, saving your family time.
3. The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) has been reformulated and given a new name, the Student Aid Index (SAI). This calculation determines how much a family should be able to contribute to the cost of college.
4. The SAI “will expand the Federal Pell Grant to more students and link eligibility to family size and the federal poverty level.” Approximately 930,000 additional Pell Grants will be awarded.
5. FAFSA will support the 11 most common languages spoken in the United States.
6. Schools will have an expanded benefit of “professional judgment” that can help students in unique family situations.

The Fall 2024-Spring 2025 FAFSA will become available in December 2023.

To get the most accurate and up-to-date information about any changes to the FAFSA application process, please visit the official FAFSA website.

The FAFSA Simplification Act is designed to make the process easier for families to fill out and to expand access to federal student aid for many more students. We encourage you to fill out the FAFSA early. Learn more about the financial aid process and paying for college and see how Quinnipiac can help support you through this process.

Learn more about the 2024-2025 FAFSA changes and delays