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FAFSA Simplification: A Better FAFSA Process Means a Better Future for Borrowers
FAFSA Simplification: A Better FAFSA Process Means a Better Future for Borrowers
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) simplification implements provisions of the amended Fostering Undergraduate Talent by Unlocking Resources for Education Act (FUTURE Act) and the FAFSA Simplification Act. At a high level, FAFSA simplification changes include the first major redesign of the FAFSA® system in over 40 years.
FAFSA simplification will be implemented in phases, with full implementation of major provisions in the 2024–25 Award Year.
The changes will provide
- a more streamlined application process,
- expanded eligibility for federal financial aid,
- reduced barriers for certain student populations, and
- a better user experience for the FAFSA form.
We'll update this page regularly with resources about FAFSA® simplification. We encourage you to use these resources to communicate with applicants and families about what to anticipate and how they navigate these changes.
Note: These resources are for your use in your messaging. Please do not point students, parents, or borrowers to this website for financial aid information. Instead, send them to StudentAid.gov
Resources for Reference and Outreach
Below you'll find up-to-date resources about FAFSA® simplification.
- FAFSA® Simplification Fact Sheet: Highlights the key information you need to know to help prepare students and parents for changes to the FAFSA® form and process.*
- Additional FAFSA® Simplification Fact Sheets: Provide an overview of specific elements of the FAFSA®simplification implementation
- Information for College Advisors*
- Better FAFSA Better Future Implementation Timeline*
- Early Implementation Quick Facts*
- Expected Family Contribution (EFC) to Student Aid Index (SAI)*
- Students with Unusual Circumstances*
- Frequently Asked Questions: These provide information on FAFSA® simplification and the Better FAFSA® Better Future communications campaign for external FSA stakeholders.
- Better FAFSA® Better Future FAQs for external partners (schools, counselors, community-based organizations)*
- Better FAFSA® Better Future Infographic: Focus on the impact of FAFSA® simplification and outline the implementation timeline.
- Better FAFSA® Better Future Infographic for external partners (schools, counselors, community-based organizations)*
- Better FAFSA® Better Future Overview Video: Highlights FAFSA® simplification benefits to applicants while focusing on the role that counselors, college access professionals, and mentors play in students' success.
*The Department of Education strives to make all content accessible to everyone. While this document does not currently meet the standards of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, Federal Student Aid is working to create an accessible version. If you need access to this content before the accessible version is available, please contact the Information Technology Accessibility Program Help Desk at ITAPSupport@ed.gov to help facilitate.
Federal Student Aid Resources
Learn about federal student aid on our other websites.
FSA Partner Emails: Subscribe to external partner email communications from Federal Student Aid.
FSA Training Center: Training courses and on-demand training videos for financial aid professionals.
Knowledge Center: Policy guidance, training, announcements, and links to other Federal Student Aid websites geared toward financial aid professionals.
Customer Service Center: Listing of FSA service centers to further assist students, parents, and borrowers.
October 24, 2022