FAFSA Changes for 2024-2025

There are changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The 2024-2025 FAFSA will have a new simpler process, new terminology, and will increase financial aid eligibility for more students. This is due to the FAFSA Simplification Act. To get help with your 2024-2025 FAFSA attend one of MCC's Spring FAFSA labs. Lab info is here.

What you should do before you fill out the 2024-2025 FAFSA?

  • Create a Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID ) at StudentAid.gov
  • Find out if additional contributors are needed on your FAFSA. Dependency status, marital status, and tax filing status will determine if additional contributors are needed. Contributors might be:
    • the student's parent(s)
    • the student's step-parent
    • the student's spouse
  • Have all additional contributors create their own FSA ID
  • Watch the Preparing for the FAFSA Form YouTube playlist from Federal Student Aid.
  • En Español watch the Preparing for the FAFSA Form YouTube video from Federal Student Aid.

The Student Aid Index (SAI) is Replacing the Expected Family Contribution (EFC)

Starting with the 2024-2025 FAFSA, the Student Aid Index (SAI) will replace the Expected Family Contribution. The SAI is a different way to determine your financial aid eligibility.

When you complete the FAFSA, the information is used to determine your Student Aid Index or SAI. Your SAI will help to determine what type of financial aid you may be eligible for. Your financial aid eligibility is also determined by:

  • your grade level status (freshman or sophomore)
  • the number of credit hours you're enrolled in
  • whether you’re a dependent or independent student (based on the FAFSA)
  • your cost-of-attendance (COA)

Some additional changes for the 2024-2025 FAFSA are:

  • Tax information will be directly imported into the FAFSA from all contributors.
  • Each contributor must provide consent for the student's FAFSA to be complete.
  • Parents without a Social Security Number will be able to create a StudentAid.gov account and submit the form online.

If you still have questions about the new FAFSA you can watch the 20204-25 FAFSA FAQs video playlist from Federal Student Aid.