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2024-2025 FAFSA Now Available

The 2024-25 FAFSA is currently available at https://fafsa.gov. You must use the 2024–25 FAFSA form to apply for aid for July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025.

MassBay will receive FAFSA data in mid-to-late February. We won’t be able to notify students that MassBay has received their application until mid-to-late February. Updates on exact dates will be posted here when announced.

Complete the FAFSA as soon as possible

Create an FSA ID on the Federal Student Aid website → and assist contributors, such as your parent(s) or spouse, in creating an FSA ID.

  • An FSA ID is an account and password that gives you access to the Federal Student Aid’s online system and serves as your electronic signature.
  • If you already have an FSA ID, there is no need to create a new one.  Your existing FSA ID will continue to work.
  • It typically takes up to 3 days for your login to be processed. Learn how to create your FSA ID and how to access your account (3-minute video).

For an estimate of your federal financial aid for 2024-2025, you can use the Federal Student Aid Estimator → on the Federal Student Aid website. This tool estimates the Student Aid Index (SAI) for 2024-2025 and the federal aid for which you may qualify.

 

What’s Changed for the 2024–25 FAFSA® Form?

 
 

Who Is a Contributor on the 2024–25 FAFSA® Form?

 
 
 

Why is the FAFSA application changing?

Congress recently passed the FAFSA Simplification Act to streamline the financial aid process for students and families.

Some fundamental changes include, but are not limited to:

 
  • The FAFSA will be shorter and more user-friendly.
  • The Federal Pell Grant expands to more students and will link eligibility to family size and the federal poverty level.
  • Students may list up to 20 colleges.
  • The FAFSA will be available in more languages.
  • Applicants will be required to use the IRS Direct Data Exchange.
  • All “contributors” must provide financial information.
  • The Student Aid Index (SAI) is replacing Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
  • The number in college will not be used to calculate SAI.
  • Some students will automatically be awarded a Pell Grant.
  • The parent responsible for submitting the FAFSA in cases of divorce or separation has changed.
  • Family farms and small businesses must be reported as assets.
  • Reduced barriers for certain student populations (e.g., homeless and unaccompanied youth, incarcerated students)
  • To speed up processing time, parents without a Social Security Number will be able to apply for an FSA ID and submit their FAFSA application online. They will no longer have to print, sign and mail the form.
 

Help with FAFSA

The U.S. Department of Education has provided resources to help students and families understand the FAFSA changes.

Federal Student Aid Resources

The U.S. Department of Education has provided student aid resources to help students and families understand the FAFSA changes, and please stay informed about changes by opting in to SMS message alerts in your studentaid.gov account.

Stay Informed About the 2024-2025 FAFSA →