FAFSA Information

At the ɫ��, we're here to assist you with your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Simplifying the financial aid process so you can focus on your education. Our financial aid staff will help you utilize all available resources to make your ɫ�� degree a reality.

How the New 2024-25 FAFSA Simplification Act Affects You

There are significant changes to the FAFSA application for the 2024-25 aid year. The was passed by Congress in 2020 and represents a significant overhaul of the processes and systems used to award federal student aid. This includes the FAFSA form, the need analysis that determines federal aid eligibility, changes in terminology, and many policies and procedures for schools participating in federal student aid programs.

Fundamental FAFSA Changes for 2024-25

Contributor&�Բ��;— A contributor is anyone who is required to provide information in support of the student’s financial aid application. A contributor is a parent, guardian, or student spouse. Each contributor is required to have their own Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID and must consent to their information being included on the student’s FAFSA.
IRS Direct Data Exchange — Instead of entering their financial information manually, all contributors on a student's FAFSA application must consent to the IRS Direct Data Exchange (DDX), allowing their data to be transferred directly to the FAFSA. There is no opt-out for this requirement. If a contributor does not consent, the student will be ineligible for federal aid.
Student Aid Index — The Student Aid Index (SAI) is replacing the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) formula. This is a new need-analysis formula that financial aid staff will use when awarding need-based grants and scholarships. This formula change links eligibility to family size and the federal poverty level, which will mean more students will be offered Pell Grants.
Unusual Circumstances — The Unusual Circumstances appeal is for applicants who would like to request a review of their dependency status for financial aid consideration. Under the new FAFSA, students will automatically be granted provisional independent status. Please contact the Financial Aid Office for information on Unusual Circumstances appeals.

When to Apply for Federal Financial Aid

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) uses income and tax data from two years prior. Use the chart below to determine when to apply and what tax year information is required.

Academic Year FAFSA Opens	FAFSA Opens	FAFSA Application Year	Income Tax Year
2025-2026	December 1, 2024	2025-2026	2023
2026-2027	October 1, 2025	2026-2027	2024

The Financial Aid Office begins awarding new FAFSA applicants each November. Students are encouraged to submit their FAFSA applications as early as possible and to contact the Financial Aid Office with questions or to schedule a consultation regarding their financial aid options.

Frequently Asked Questions

If a contributor (parent, guardian, or spouse) does not have an active email address, it is recommended that one be created to participate in the FAFSA application process.

Individuals for whom the Social Security Administration is unable to verify their identity, the US Department of Education (ED) has created a secondary identity verification process, which requires individuals to answer knowledge-based questions through a partnership with TransUnion®. Individuals who do not possess an SSN, as well as individuals who fail the TransUnion verification processes, will be required to complete the account creation process specifically developed for those without an SSN.

There is no opt-out option for consent to transfer data from the IRS. If any of your contributors required to provide information on your FAFSA do not consent to the automatic transfer of information from the IRS, you will not be eligible for federal aid.

Normally, the FAFSA opens annually on October 1. With the 2024-25 FAFSA application opening later, ɫ�� will be delayed in getting financial aid offers to students.

The Financial Aid Office is working hard to provide aid offers. The aid office started sending aid offers on April 12.

Yes, absolutely. The 2024-25 FAFSA is live for all students. We encourage you to file your FAFSA application as soon as possible to maximize aid opportunities for the 2024-25 academic year.

Have Any Questions?

Students and parents can call the Financial Aid Office at 701-355-8142 or email us.

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