FAFSA Simplification Information
Better FAFSA, Better Future–FAFSA Simplification
Big changes are coming to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application for the upcoming 2024–2025 aid year. The Office of Financial Aid at ESCC will update this page as additional information is made available so that we can continue to educate students, families and our campus community on the new processes.
Why is it changing?
On December 27, 2020, Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act. The law includes provisions that amend the Fostering Undergraduate Talent by Unlocking Resources for Education (FUTURE) Act and includes the FAFSA Simplification Act—a sweeping redesign of the processes and systems used to award federal student aid. Specifically, the law makes it easier for students and families to complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form and expands access to federal student aid.
What does this mean for you?
The 2024–2025 FAFSA process is going to look a bit different than in the past. Don’t worry, we’re here to help keep you informed. Due to the FAFSA delays in opening and being sent to institutions, we have moved our priority deadline to June 24, 2024. This is strictly for the limited need-based funds, such as the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant. Otherwise, we accept and process results all year, ongoing.
Top FAFSA changes
- The 2024–2025 FAFSA will be available to complete in December 2023
- The term “EFC” (expected family contribution) is changing to “SAI” (Student Aid Index)
- A student’s SAI can be as low as -1500
- Streamlined application with less than 50 questions
- Parental information provided will be from the one who provided the most financial support, not who you resided with more during the prior 12-month
- Family farms that serve as a primary residence and small businesses will now have those assets considered in the need analysis calculation
- Up to 20 schools can be listed to receive FAFSA results
- Any person providing information on the FAFSA is known as a Contributor
- Contributors will need to provide consent in the new Consent to Retrieve and Disclose Federal Tax Information section that allows the IRS to share tax information
- The Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) is now referred to as the Direct Data Exchange (DDX) for Federal Taxpayer Information (FTI)
- Applicants will be asked to report their sex, race and ethnicity on the FAFSA, with an option of “Prefer Not to Answer.” These answers will not be made available to states or institutions.
What you can do to prepare
- Mark your calendar for December 2023. We will provide updates on this page when we know the official date that you can complete your 2024–2025 FAFSA.
- Check this page often for updates. This is the largest change to the FAFSA in over 40 years! We will update this page as information becomes available.
- lf you have questions or concerns, contact our team via email or at 937.778.7898.
Resources
What is the FAFSA Simplification Act? Federal Student Aid website
FAFSA Simplification Fact Sheet
FAFSA Simplification Tool Kit Federal Student Aid website