Overview

• The 2024-25 FAFSA form, which was released three months later than its usual date, has been simplified to include only 36 questions, down from the previous 108.
• Major changes include the elimination of the sibling discount, meaning families won't automatically get additional aid if more than one child is in college.
• Wealthier or middle-income families won't be eligible for as much assistance due to a change in calculating how much a family can afford to pay.
• The new FAFSA form has been plagued with issues since its release, with the Department of Education acknowledging 'some minor issues' and the site being periodically unavailable.
• Despite these issues, more lower and moderate-income families should be eligible for Pell grants than ever before, which don't have to be repaid.