FAFSA Simplification/News

The 2024-2025 FAFSA is expected to open for completion on December 31, 2023, due to mandated FAFSA simplification efforts. 

Please make sure all contributors to the FAFSA have successfully setup their FSA ID. A short video on how to create an account and username can be found on the Federal Student Aid YouTube channel at the link below.  

How to Create an Account and Username (FSA ID) for StudentAid.gov

Changes

Federal Student Aid's marketing campaign will email anyone with a FAFSA account throughout the fall and winter to inform them of updates.  The FSU Financial Aid Office will also send emails and will update this page as they become available.

Most Significant Expected 2024-2025 FAFSA Changes

• Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) will now be known as Student Aid Index (SAI)
• The number of family members in college will no longer be a determining factor.
• For divorced/separated parents, the parent on the FAFSA will be determined by financial support instead of which parent the student has resided with in the year leading up to filling out the FAFSA.  
• There will be a mandatory consent to share IRS data.  Failing to consent = No aid processing.
• Child support received will now be reported as an asset.
• New questions will factor in the net worth of small businesses and family farms.
• Married parents who file separate tax returns should both have an active FSA ID so they can both grant IRS consent and add their information to the FAFSA individually. 

Helpful Tips

• The latest FSA update states that schools will begin receiving batches of FAFSAs by, "the first half of March."
• Students should complete their portion of the FAFSA prior to other contributors if possible and then invite the parent(s)/contributor(s).
• Contributor parents who filed separate 2022 tax returns will both need an FSA account of their own for FAFSA submission.
• "The Maryland Higher Education Commission has extended the Maryland financial aid deadline to submit the 2024-2025 FAFSA to June 1, 2024.  Students are encouraged to submit the FAFSA by the priority deadline of March 1, 2024 to receive notification of eligibility by April 15, 2024." 
• When completing the FAFSA, it can be beneficial to be prepared with possible verification requested items.  (Helpful documents can include - signed/dated 1040, IRS tax return transcript, W-2s, 1098-T, recent marriage certificates, recent divorce/separation agreements, VA - DD214, previous university transcripts, citizenship documentation, eligible non-citizen documentation, etc.) 

Updates

Important Updates on Completing the 2024-2025 FAFSA 

The Department of Education has been working to fix issues with the opening of the 2024-2025 FAFSA. One recent issue is in regards to students with 1 or 2 non-citizen parents, but they are actively working to remedy this.

The good new is that you can now officially begin your FAFSA form for the 2024-2025 academic year. More good news - this year’s form can be completed more quickly compared to past years! Please note, there is more reading and instruction throughout. Take your time and follow the detailed instructions as you complete each section of the form.

Your data will save for 45 days, so if you get stuck, you have time to figure it out. It’s important, but it does not have to be stressful. Take a break, try again later in the day, and contact FAFSA for form issues. If you have issues with the form and fail to get answers from FAFSA, please email fsufinaid@goudounet.com your question. We will do our best to investigate and find a solution.

FAFSA Form

Which FAFSA form should you complete?

• Starting at FSU in Spring 2024? Select both available versions.
• Applying for Summer 2024, Fall 2024, or Spring 2025? Select the 24/25 version.

Use this link to start your FAFSA.

Once your form is submitted, you should receive an email from FSA giving you feedback on your FAFSA results.

Please do not expect an immediate notification from FSU or any other schools in reference to results or aid packages. The numerous issues during this year’s FAFSA launch will delay when FSU receives your information from the federal government. Once we receive that information, it must be processed to work with our software so it can be applied to your student account. This takes time and effort so we can ensure this transfer is accurate. FSU’s Financial Aid and IT offices are dedicated and eager to begin that process. We will continue doing everything we can to get packages out as quickly as possible. Watch your FSU student email and PAWS accounts for updates.  While we are all eagerly awaiting federal and state eligibility data, we are currently working on adding Admissions and Athletic offers to prospective student accounts.  It is important to watch your FSU email closely throughout the coming months to catch all offer updates.   

Help

Want help filing out your FAFSA, FSU Foundation Scholarship App, or just have questions about your account?

The FSU Financial Aid Office will be hosting, "Money Talk$" in the bottom floor of the Lane Center on Feb. 21 from 11am-2pm.  Bring your laptop, smart device, and your questions.  

Scholarship

Additional Scholarship Information

The FSU Foundation Scholarship application is now open! All students are encouraged to apply. Use your FSU credentials to log in, search scholarships, and begin the application. We encourage you to complete the application and the FAFSA prior to the March 1st priority deadline for best chance at awards. Complete the application on the FSU Scholarship web site.