FAFSA: Discover the 9 Changes and What it Means for College Admissions

Navigating the financial aspects of higher education can be a daunting task, and filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a critical step in securing financial aid for college. However, the process has historically been anything but straightforward, often discouraging students and their families from pursuing the assistance they need.

That’s where the FAFSA Simplification Act comes into play, aiming to make the process smoother and more accessible. In this blog, we’ll explore the changes the act brings to the FAFSA and what these modifications mean for you, the student or parent preparing to embark on the college journey. If you would like to learn how we help students get into their best fit college, check out our website here.

A Brief Overview

Before delving into the changes, it’s essential to understand the FAFSA’s significance. The FAFSA is a federal application that determines your eligibility for various forms of financial aid, including grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities, and federal student loans. It collects information about your family’s income, assets, and household size to calculate your Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which is used to determine your eligibility for financial assistance.

What is the FAFSA Simplification Act?

The FAFSA Simplification Act was signed into law in December 2020 as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. It introduces changes designed to simplify the FAFSA process and increase access to financial aid for students. Here are some of the key modifications and what they mean for you:

Simplified FAFSA Form:

One of the most significant changes is the simplification of the FAFSA form itself. The Act eliminates several questions, making the application shorter and more user-friendly. This streamlining aims to reduce the barriers that may have discouraged potential applicants in the past. This means you’ll spend less time on the form, reducing the complexity and confusion that often accompanies the old FAFSA.

Removal of the Drug Conviction Question:

Under the previous FAFSA, students with drug-related convictions could face eligibility restrictions. The FAFSA Simplification Act eliminates this question. This change means that drug convictions will no longer affect your ability to receive federal financial aid.

No More Selective Service Registration:

In the past, male students between 18 and 25 had to register with the Selective Service to be eligible for federal aid. This requirement has been eliminated under the FAFSA Simplification Act, ensuring that your financial aid eligibility is not tied to your registration status.

Easier Income Information:

The Act streamlines the income reporting process. Instead of using the prior year’s tax return, you will use what’s known as the “prior-prior year” tax return. This means you can use tax information that’s already available, making it easier to complete the FAFSA.

Automatic Zero EFC for Some Applicants:

The FAFSA Simplification Act will automatically assign a zero EFC to students and families receiving means-tested benefits such as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) or TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families). This change can significantly increase access to federal aid for low-income students.

What do these modifications mean for your college admissions process?

Less Stress and Complexity: The simplified FAFSA form will reduce stress and confusion for applicants, making it easier to apply for financial aid.
More Opportunities: By removing certain eligibility restrictions and increasing the automatic zero EFC population, more students will qualify for financial aid, ensuring a more inclusive approach to funding education.
Faster Application Process: Using “prior-prior year” tax information will make the application process faster and more convenient.
Expanded Access: These changes aim to make financial aid available to a broader range of students, increasing access to higher education opportunities.

Conclusion

The FAFSA Simplification Act represents a significant step forward in improving access to higher education. It streamlines the FAFSA application process, making it easier and more inclusive for students and their families.

If you would like a free copy of Shellee’s book “How to Send Your Student to College Without Losing Your Mind or Your Money”, get it here.

To also learn the top 5 mistakes we see made on the FAFSA, go here.

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