FAFSA Application Simplified, Applications for 2024-25 to Open in December

A significant update to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) approved by the U.S. Congress will streamline the process for individuals applying for federal aid for higher education. The new 2024-25 FAFSA will make federal aid more accessible for students and families.

In past years, FAFSA applications have opened on Oct. 1. However, with this new legislation, the application window will now open in December 2023 for the 2024-25 academic year.

Utah State University encourages all students to submit their FAFSAs as soon as the application window opens. Not only does FAFSA allow students to receive federal aid (i.e. Pell grants, Work-Study, loans), but it is also used in some scholarship determination.

Before the application window opens, all students and parents (or spouses) should register for a Federal Student Aid ID. By creating these accounts now, students and their parents can complete their FAFSA applications even faster. To create your account, visit https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch.

According to data on current FAFSA completion rates by state, Utah students have the second-lowest FAFSA completion rates in the nation, with only 35% of 12th graders completing an application. Data from the National College Attainment Network shows that Utah high school seniors left more than $43 million of Pell grant money unclaimed in 2021.

Federal grants are a type of need-based financial aid that are meant to help undergraduate students pay for their college expenses. Unlike a loan, grants do not need to be repaid. The amount students can receive is determined by a myriad of factors, which are also calculated by the information provided on the FAFSA. With the 2024-25 FAFSA, USU anticipates more students will be eligible for Pell and other grants, compared to previous years.

USU has created a FAFSA information page with everything students need to know in order to complete their simplified FAFSA applications. The page is filled with FAQs, helpful tips, and more. Some of these are listed below. Visit www.usu.edu/financial-support/fafsa-simplification for complete details.

Tips for Success

• Start early. Some FAFSA funds are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, so creating a StudentAid.gov account and submitting your application as early as possible is best. Make sure you have all your information ready to go come December, so you can start your application as soon as its available to file.
• Be accurate. Provide complete and accurate information on the FAFSA. Any errors or omissions could delay your application or even make you ineligible for financial aid.
• Keep copies of all supporting documents. If selected by Federal Student Aid, you may be asked to provide copies of your tax returns and other documents to verify your information.
• Contact USU Student Financial Support for help if you have any questions about the FAFSA or need assistance completing it.