The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a major step for any American student seeking financial assistance for college.
The FAFSA 2024-2025 application determines your eligibility for federal grants, work-study programs, and student loans, making it an essential part of financing your higher education.
FAFSA 2024-2025 Application
The FAFSA application is now available for students seeking financial aid for the 2024-2025 academic year.
This application determines your Expected Family Contribution (EFC), a number used by colleges to calculate your financial aid package.
The lower your EFC, the more financial aid you may be eligible for.
There are two ways to complete the FAFSA 2024-2025 application: online at FAFSA website or by requesting a paper application from the Federal Student Aid office.
The online application is generally faster and more convenient, but both options are valid.
Here’s what you’ll need to gather before you begin your FAFSA application:
- Social Security numbers for yourself and your parents (if you are a dependent student)
- Federal tax return information for yourself and your parents (or tax return transcripts)
- Records of untaxed income such as Social Security benefits or welfare
- Savings and investment account balances
- School codes for the colleges you are applying to
The application process is designed to be user-friendly, and there are resources available to help you navigate any difficulties.
The Federal Student Aid website offers FAFSA help in the form of FAQs, tutorials, and live chat support.
Who Should Apply for FAFSA?
Generally, any U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen planning to attend college or graduate school in the upcoming academic year should complete the FAFSA. This includes:
- High school seniors
- Current college students
- Transfer students
- Students seeking vocational or technical training programs
FAFSA 2024-2025 Application Deadlines
While you can technically submit your FAFSA 2024-2025 application any time between October 1, 2023, and June 30, 2025, it’s highly recommended to submit it as early as possible after December 1, 2023.
Federal and state financial aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early maximizes your chances of receiving the most grant and scholarship funding.
How to Check Your FAFSA Application Status
Once you have submitted your FAFSA application, you can check its status online at FAFSA website studentaid.gov.
You will need your FSA ID (Federal Student Aid Identification Number) to access your application status.
If you haven’t already created an FSA ID, you can do so on the Federal Student Aid website.
The online status tracker will show you if your application has been processed, if there are any errors that need correction, and if your information has been sent to the colleges you listed.