With the new FAFSA being implemented for the 24-25 academic year, the application process is going to be much more streamlined and quicker for both students and contributors involved.
FAFSA 2024-2025
2024-2025 FAFSA Opening
The 2024-2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid is expected to open by December 31st, 2023. In the past, the FAFSA has been opened effective October 1st each year. Because of the new changes in the form and the FAFSA processing system, there is a delay in the availability of the form. Make sure to monitor studentaid.gov for the release, along with any new updates.
Changes Coming to the 2024-2025 FAFSA
In 2020, the FAFSA Simplification Act was passed by Congress and marks a significant overhaul of the processes and systems that are used to award federal student aid. This means, in simpler terms, that there will be changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as well as the formulas that are used to determine eligibility for student aid.
There will also be changes to the terminology, as well as policy and procedure changes for the institutions that participate in the federal aid programs.
What does this mean for Westfield State's deadlines?
The priority deadline for the 2024-2025 FAFSA is May 1st.
Requirements to Fill Out FAFSA
As a reminder, there are specific requirements a student must meet before filling out the FAFSA. They can be seen below:
1. The student must be a US citizen or an eligible noncitizen.
2. They must have a valid SSN (Social Security Number)
3. They must have a high school diploma or a GED (General Education Development) Certificate.
4. Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment at a school that participates in a federal student aid program.
5. Returning students to Westfield State must be making Satisfactory Academic Progress. This requires students to be meeting both qualitative and quantitative measures as outlined by the University.
Specific Changes on the 24-25 FAFSA
Below are changes on the FAFSA that students and contributors may deem important to check out for future reference.
Overall FAFSA Application Process
EFC to SAI
The FAFSA has replaced what has been previously known as the EFC (Estimated Family Contribution). Now, EFC is SAI, which stands for Student Aid Index.
The SAI is a different way to determine aid eligibility, and schools will also be using the SAI to determine eligibility for federal aid programs.
In previous years, the EFC calculation included the number of family members in college. With the SAI now taking over, it will not include the number of family members in college, which may reduce the need-based aid for students whose siblings are also in college.
Pell Grant Eligibility
The Federal Pell Grant is expanding to more students! The eligibility will be linked to the family size and the federal poverty level.
IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) Replacement
What was previously known as the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (IRS DRT) will be replaced with the Direct Data Exchange (DDX).
Students, parents, and spouses if applicable will need to consent to have their Federal Tax Information (FTI) imported into the module of the same name.
To provide consent, the individual will have to access the FAFSA with a studentaid.gov account that has been matched up with the Social Security Administration, also known as the SSA.
FSA ID Terminology Change
The FSA ID is no longer! When registering to fill out the FAFSA, you will need a studentaid.gov account, which is essentially the same thing as an FSA ID, but in different terms.
Important Forms
Looking for important financial aid forms? Check out the links below!
General Important Forms
Click here to visit our Important Forms site for the general financial aid forms.
2024-2025 FAFSA Checklist
Need a checklist to keep track of everything you need to file the upcoming FAFSA? Please see the form below to help you out with preparation.
2024-2025 FAFSA YouTube Videos
Click here for a playlist of videos explaining FAQS in regard to the 2024-25 FAFSA.
Questions? We're here to help!
Contact Us
Financial Aid
First Floor, The Horace Mann Center, 333 Western Avenue Westfield, MA 01086