October 11, 2023
The FAFSA Simplification Act, enacted into law as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and amended by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022, represents a significant overhaul of federal student aid, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FA FSA®) form, need analysis, and many policies and procedures for schools that participate in the Title IV programs.
FAFSA/WASFA is expected to be released sometime in December (it could be December 1 or December 31). The UW has extended our priority filing date to February 28th, 2024 (for the 2024-2025 year only)
The FAFSA application experience will be different for our continuing students and their families. Fewer questions, enhanced skip logic, and automatic transfer of data from the IRS. Those required to provide information are considered “Contributors” and will be required to provide “Consent” to have a valid application. Contributors will need an FSA ID and will access the applicant’s FAFSA separately and answer questions that are relevant.
Methodology/Formula to determine eligibility for federal aid (i.e. Pell Grant) is changing.
The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) will change to the Student Aid Index (SAI) to determine eligibility for need-based aid
Pell Grant Eligibility is based on either a Maximum Pell Grant, Calculated Pell Grant, or Minimum Pell Grant.
We expect to see more students eligible for Pell Grant!