The revised version of the application was officially launched at the end of December; however, there were initial technical issues. The form was initially available for short windows each day as Federal Student Aid worked to identify and address these technical issues.
The Department of Education has declared the official opening of the 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid on Jan. 8, which is now accessible 24/7. Despite a challenging soft launch, the application is fully operational.
The revised version of the application was officially launched at the end of December; however, there were initial technical issues. The form was initially available for short windows each day as Federal Student Aid worked to identify and address these technical issues.
Over one million students and their families were able to submit applications during that period, as mentioned in the statement from the Education Department.
Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona noted the dedication to streamlining and facilitating the college financial aid application process, expressing a commitment to making it simpler and more accessible.
“We are moving the federal financial aid application into the 21st century and in the process, putting affordable higher education within the reach of 610,000 students from families with low incomes who will now be eligible for Pell Grants for the very first time,” he said.
Accessibility
Starting from the evening of Jan. 8, the FAFSA is accessible for families to complete at any time, except during routine maintenance periods.
It is recommended for individuals to submit their applications promptly to meet deadlines for qualifying for aid and grants in the upcoming school year.
To initiate this process, individuals can visit StudentAid.gov and access the FAFSA. Logging in requires the use of an FSA ID, which can be created if not already available. Furthermore, individuals who have already completed the new FAFSA are observing the implemented changes.
Better experience
Richard Cordray, FSA chief operating officer, mentioned in the statement, “We have heard from students and families that the new FAFSA form is a better experience that’s easier to complete.” A significant modification includes a reduction in the number of questions that FAFSA applicants are obligated to answer.
According to FSA, applicants can choose to skip up to 26 questions on the form, contingent on their circumstances, allowing them to finish their application in as little as 10 minutes. However, the agency notes that the average expected completion time is approximately an hour.
International students are ineligible for federally funded aid as government funding is specifically reserved for US citizens or eligible non-citizens. Despite this, submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid may open up other potential aid opportunities for international students to explore and utilize.
Consensus between Biden and Republican legislators
Elements of consensus are surfacing between US President Joe Biden and Republican legislators regarding proposed changes to the Higher Education Act of 1965.
This legislation, responsible for governing the parameters of Pell Grants, Stafford loans and various educational programs, was last renewed in 2008. As discussions intensify ahead of the congressional session, bipartisan agreement on its renewal appears increasingly likely.
