2024-2025 FAFSA Simplification
Changes to the 24-25 FAFSA
The FAFSA Simplification Act passed on Dec. 27, 2020 as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 and represents a significant overhaul of federal student aid, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form, need analysis, and many policies and procedures for schools that participate in the Title IV programs.These changes have prompted the implementation of a whole new website for the 24-25 FAFSA along with several other changes. In order to help you navigate it better we want to highlight and explain some of the changes you will see.
New Terminology
Parent, spouse, or step-parent whose information is required for the FAFSA
Student Aid Index is replacing the EFC, estimated family contribution
Overview of the application, type and amount of aid potential. Replaces Student Aid Report (SAR)
New and improved direct transfer of data from the IRS replacing the Data Retrieval Tool
Permission granted for the FTI (Federal Tax Information) to be utilized in the FAFSA – required for a complete and submitted FAFSA
Major Changes to the 24-25 FAFSA
- Complete redesign of the FAFSA website
- New terminology
- Anticipate delays
- FSA ID required for all contributors
- Contributors must be invited via email to complete their portion
- Federal Tax Information (FTI) consent required of all contributors
- Designated parent guidelines changed (Income vs. Custodial)
- Less questions – 36 now vs. 108 previously
- New need-analysis formula
- Submission not complete until ALL parties invited complete their portion
- 45-day time limit to complete before deleting application
Contact Us
Cleveland Community College Financial Aid Department
emailaddress@clevelandccc.com
704-669-4028
137 S. Post Rd., Shelby, NC 28152