There are many changes coming to the FAFSA
This process is called “FAFSA Simplification.” Because of these changes to the process, the FAFSA for 2025-2026 year will be October 1st. These changes should make the FAFSA easier to navigate and quicker for the students and parents. Some of the main changes are:
- The new FAFSA will have less than half of the questions of the current FAFSA
- EFC (Expected Family Contribution) is being replaced with SAI (Student Aid Index). SAI serves a similar function, however it is a revised version that is designed to more accurately assess each student’s financial situation.
- Income Protection Allowance Increase
- Number in College will no longer be considered. This will have a significant effect on families with multiple students in college, and will lower financial eligibility for families with more than one student enrolled in college at the same time.
- For students with parents who are divorced, the custodial parent will now be required to fill out the parental section of the FAFSA. The custodial parent is defined as the parent with whom the child lives for the majority of the 12-month period ending on the day the FAFSA is filed.
FAFSA FIRST STEP (Needed for both Parents and Students to sign electronically):
