FAFSA to Open by December 31 Following Overhaul

Revised Form Simplifies Application Process, But Delays Raise Concerns for Student Aid Access

The Department of Education confirms that the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will open by December 31, following significant delays due to changes in how student aid is calculated.
The revised FAFSA form has fewer questions and includes more sophisticated skip logic, making it simpler for families to link their tax information from the IRS to FAFSA directly.
The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is being replaced by a Student Aid Index (SAI), which is less confusingly named and should make more students eligible to receive Pell Grants.
Due to the delayed opening date, there are concerns that fewer students will apply for aid and go to college, as the reduced timeline may make it harder for students and families to understand and complete the application.
The Department of Education expects the submission of FAFSA applications to peak in late January and February, which could limit the impact of the planned delay in sending student data to colleges.