Photo by Annalise Anderson | The Crow’s Nest
By Riley Benson
With a soft launch on Dec. 30, the 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opened with some noticeable differences. The task of applying for the FAFSA has been streamlined and simplified, making the process take as little as 10 minutes.
Instead of manually inputting tax information, users will be able to retrieve documents directly from the IRS. Students who file dependently and require someone else’s information can connect their FAFSA to a parent or guardian’s Federal Student Aid account to directly upload financial information.
The form has also removed questions on Selective Service registration and drug convictions, while also adding new questions about sex, race and ethnicity— which has no effect on aid eligibility. Students are now able to add up to 20 colleges on the FAFSA form, when previously the maximum was 10.
The redesign also expands Pell Grant eligibility, which now takes family size and the federal poverty level into consideration.
“Approximately 610,000 more students from low-income backgrounds will receive Pell Grants,” according to the Federal Student Aid website. “Additionally, Pell recipients will receive more aid and nearly 1.5 million more students will receive the maximum Pell Grant.”
Once students have completed the application, they will receive an email from the Department of Education that includes their estimated amount of student aid and if they are eligible for a Pell Grant.
The official website recommends submitting your FAFSA as soon as possible for a better chance at receiving financial aid. The priority application deadline is March 1, but the Florida deadline is May 15.
Students are also able to send in physical FAFSA forms by printing and mailing the form to the Department of Education. See the Federal Student Aid website for more information.
