January 3, 2023

Students and parents applying for financial aid in the fall of 2023 will experience a totally new FAFSA.

The changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) are aimed at simplifying the process of applying for financial aid. The new FAFSA will be ready for the 2024-2025 application cycle which begins on October 1, 2023.

In a recent announcement, the U.S. Department of Education, this is “the first sweeping redesign of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) system in over 40 years.“

According to the Department, the updated process will provide:

• a more streamlined application process
• expanded eligibility for federal student aid
• reduced barriers for certain student populations
• a better user experience

Mapping Your Future will provide more information about the changes and how those changes will impact students and families over the next several months.