The much-anticipated simplified Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form for the 2024-25 school year was officially “soft” launched by the Department of Education on December 30, 2023. However, the launch, which deviated from the usual October 1 date, proved challenging, leaving millions frustrated over the long New Year’s holiday weekend.
The soft launch, featuring periodic availability and a waiting room to manage site volume, aims to allow the government to monitor and respond to potential issues impacting the applicant experience in real-time, according to the Federal Student Aid website. During the two 30-minute windows on December 30 and 31, thousands of applications were successfully submitted. On January 1, over 30,000 applications were submitted, with over 100,000 in progress.
Despite these numbers, the delayed soft launch faced criticism for its challenging rollout. Justin Draeger, president of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, noted that even by soft-launch standards, the rollout was difficult. The late release added pressure to students, families, and financial aid administrators eagerly awaiting the simplified form for months.
The new FAFSA form, featuring only 36 questions, down from 108, and streamlined financial information input, is aimed at simplifying the application process and increasing eligibility for grants, particularly Pell Grants. However, the late release, three months behind schedule, has complicated matters for those needing to complete it this year. School officials won’t receive necessary information to determine aid until the end of January.
While Federal Student Aid remains optimistic that everyone will have sufficient time to complete the form, stakeholders express concerns about the compressed timeline. The process requires individuals to stay calm, focused, organized, and get everything right the first time to avoid leaving money on the table.
Key considerations and tips for students and families include:
- Less Time and Support: Due to the shortened timeline, students and families not only have less time to complete the FAFSA but may receive less assistance. Familiarizing oneself with the requirements of the schools of interest becomes crucial, especially in states where FAFSA completion is a high school graduation requirement.
- Questions, Additions, and Corrections: Making corrections or additions, answering school questions, or providing more information won’t be possible until February at the earliest. This delay could further impact financial aid offers, making it essential to prepare upfront and provide any necessary information promptly.
- State Aid: The new FAFSA won’t include links to state aid applications this year. Applicants in certain states requiring a separate form for state aid, such as Iowa, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont, need to find and complete the state application to avoid missing out.
- FSA IDs: Obtaining an FSA ID, necessary to get started, might require up to three days for processing. Students and parents should ensure they have the required email addresses or mobile phone numbers to create FSA IDs promptly.
- Scams: Applicants should be cautious of scams and fraudulent services. No payment is required for assistance with student loans or completing FAFSA. Completing the form at the official Federal Student Aid website is crucial to avoid scams.
While the soft launch faced challenges, Federal Student Aid reassures applicants that there will be ample time to complete the FAFSA form. As the soft launch continues periodically, applicants are advised to stay informed, plan ahead, and submit their forms in a timely manner to secure financial aid for the upcoming school year.