FAFSA changes for upcoming school year

By Ashley Luthans

Students filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid might notice some differences to the process, as a new mandate has brought about some major changes.

The FAFSA Simplification Act aims to modify various aspects of the application and streamline different processes. This contributed to nationwide delays as students applied this year.

Some have praised the new system, while others have shared that they struggled with glitches and crashes on the website.

Haley Lindsey, the director of financial aid at Missouri Western State University, said that new students shouldn’t worry about the problems with the website, as most issues have been resolved.

“All the issues and the kinks and the problems that occurred with the new process have really been ironed out, so that shouldn’t affect anybody that has not filled out their FAFSA,” Lindsey said.

Lindsey went on to explain the purpose of the new FAFSA changes.

“With the 24-25 changes, the biggest thing is that more students are supposed to qualify for Pell Grant,” Lindsey said. “When typically in the past, that kind of, that middle-class did not qualify, we’re seeing more students qualify for Pell.”

Lindsey explained how the new FAFSA changes will affect students who are already in college.

“The process will be a little bit different for current students if they’ve filled out a previous FAFSA in previous years,” Lindsey said. “Typically, the students would be able to complete the FAFSA in one full swoop where parents wouldn’t have to login to complete their portion. However, with 24-25, the student will now have to invite that contributor to their FAFSA to complete their portion of it.”

Samantha Davis is the coordinator of counseling for the St. Joseph School District, and said that applying as soon as possible is the best bet.

“I think this is a process that you don’t want to start too late,” Davis said. “The hope is that the new form for our seniors will come out in October. And just make sure you get that filled out, watch all the deadlines. Different universities and colleges, they have financial aid deadlines as well. So just kind of keep in mind all those things and use the resources at their school. Make sure you’re talking to your counselor or those college and career specialists.”

Lindsey shared the importance of applying for FAFSA as a student.

“Pell Grant is free money, that’s free money to go to school, so it’s out there, you just have to apply,” Lindsey said. “Unfortunately education is getting more expensive every year, and so this gives you the opportunity to find funding so that it’s not coming out of your pocket.”

For more information on the changes to FAFSA, visit https://studentaid.gov/help-center/answers/article/fafsa-simplification-act.