Millions of students across the country plan to attend college and rely on financial aid to afford tuition.
Each year the federal government distributes billions of dollars in grants and loans, a process that is based on a single form filled out by students and their families: the FAFSA.
However, the rollout of the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid was rocky with numerous delays, glitches and other challenges, leaving students and families confused and worried about their ability to afford college.
Here’s what to know about this year’s FAFSA.
What is FAFSA?
FAFSA is a form that is filed out by students who want financial aid to attend college. Generally, their parents, guardians or spouses must also submit information.
Managed by the federal government through the U.S. Department of Education, the form is used to determine a student’s federal, state and school-based eligibility for loans, grants and work-study opportunities.
After analyzing applications, college officials make decisions about what financial aid award package a student receives.
Pell grants, a form of financial aid available for students from low-income families, is determined by FAFSA.
Experts advise all students to fill out the FAFSA, even if they don’t think they’ll qualify for financial aid.
What are the changes in the new FAFSA?
The new FAFSA has fewer questions than the previous version. Most students will answer about 40 questions, though it depends on their circumstances. U.S. Department of Education officials stated students could complete the form in as little as 15 minutes.
In previous years, students and families completed the form together. The new FAFSA requires the student’s parent or guardian to create their own account and complete information separately.
Students are no longer able to edit the form if they have already submitted it. They should wait until the form has been processed.
Check the official FAFSA website to find answers to questions specific to your case.
What went wrong with the new FAFSA?
Federal officials intended to make the new FAFSA easier and simpler.
But the rollout had significant delays and technical glitches. Some students were kicked out of the platform and found the website to be constantly under maintenance.
Previously, the FAFSA would be available to students on Oct. 1. This cycle, the form wasn’t available until January.
Because of these delays, colleges changed their own deadlines for when they must have students’ information before determining financial aid packages.
How do I fill out the FAFSA?
The FAFSA can be accessed online through computers or mobile devices. The website is studentaid.gov, where students and families can start a new application or access an existing one.
Each student and guardian must create an ID, known as the FSA ID, with a unique username and password.
The majority of information required relates to a student’s financial background, including family taxes, investments and assets. Families should gather tax returns, bank statements and other records related to child support and property ownership.
When will I find out what my financial aid package is for next school year?
That’s complicated.
Federal officials have said they would process applications in March. So far, that hasn’t happened.
Because of that, many colleges moved their deadlines. While the government’s deadline for students to fill out the FAFSA is June 30, each institution has their own deadlines, usually significantly earlier than that.
Texas A&M University, for example, pushed it back to April 15. Others, including the University of Texas at Dallas, extended their deadlines to May 1.
Check with your college for specific dates.
Why is there a new FAFSA?
Until last year, the FASA had more than 100 questions, and it had not been updated since President Ronald Reagan’s administration.
The form was known for being complicated and taking a long time to complete with students needing assistance from counselors, teachers or others. Many families found the form to be confusing as it required detailed information about their taxes and other financial information.
In 2020, Congress passed the FAFSA Simplification Act, tasking the U.S. Department of Education with revamping the form to be more streamlined and accessible to students, as well as expanding it so more students would be eligible for financial aid.
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