All students should file the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), as it opens the door to many types and sources of financial aid, including funds that don’t have to be repaid. All schools use the FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal and state financial aid, and many schools use the FAFSA to determine eligibility for their institutional financial aid. The FAFSA must be completed for each school year.
FAFSA Simplification for 2024-2025
Whether you’re an education professional who helps students with their FAFSAs or you’re a student who’s filed a FAFSA in a previous academic year, you’ll notice some significant changes with the 2024-25 FAFSA. The 2024-2025 FAFSA, referred to as “Better FAFSA, Better Future” by Federal Student Aid (FSA), is being completely revised and simplified. There will be fewer questions and it will be easier to complete.
To learn more about how the 2024-25 FAFSA will differ from previous years, visit our page on FAFSA Simplification.
Filing the FAFSA
Details related to filing the 2023-2024 FAFSA are slightly different from those for the 2024-2025 FAFSA due to FAFSA Simplification.
Use the links below to access instructions for the FAFSA you’ll be filing.
Filing the 2023-24 FAFSA
The 2023-24 FAFSA became available on October 1, 2022. It’s always a good idea to file as soon as possible, but it’s not too late to file for the 2023-24 school year.
Filing the 2024-25 FAFSA
While the FAFSA is normally available each year on October 1, the 2024-2025 FAFSA will be delayed. Due to the significant overhaul to the FAFSA form and process, the 2024-25 FAFSA will be released in December of 2023.
