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FAFSA changes

September 12th, 2016

In previous years students have filed their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on or after January 1st. No need for waiting any more! The federal education department will now open the application process as of October 1st in order to line up more effectively with the college application process. We’ve been hearing about this change for some time but we wanted to save this article to share as October draws nearer.

While October 1st is the opening date for FAFSA forms to be filed, it is by no means a deadline. Each college sets its own deadline for financial aid application completion. In this New York Times article, many of your FAFSA questions will be answered; however, it is always important to pay close attention to each college’s financial aid requirements.

An important note: some private colleges, especially those that are more selective, also require the CSS Profile and/or their own institution’s supplemental application. Every college’s financial aid website spells out steps and requirements quite clearly.

Takeaway: to be certain your financial aid applications will be completed for review, keep track of what’s needed, as well as related deadlines.

Article below published August 10, 2016

Written by: Ann Carrns

As college-bound students prepare for a new school year, they should be aware of a new date that’s important for future financial aid: Oct. 1.

That’s the new, earlier date after which students can file the Fafsa, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The infamous form is used to calculate how much students and their families must contribute to the cost of college, and how much help they will get in the form of grants, scholarships and loans. Students seeking financial aid must file the form, used by most states and colleges as the gateway to financial aid, each year.

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