What Are the 2024-25 FAFSA Requirements?

What Are the 2024-25 FAFSA Requirements?
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Dr. Jed Macosko
Published:

Key Takeaways

  • The FAFSA determines a student’s eligibility for federal aid, acting as a gateway to grants, loans, and work-study funds.
  • Changes to the FAFSA for 2024-2025 includes a simplified application process, income threshold adjustments and changes to parental information and the Pell Grant calculation.
  • Beginning the FAFSA process early, gathering all required documents before you beginning the application, and double-checking your information will ensure a smooth application process.

Navigating financial aid options can be overwhelming, especially with the frequent changes in the application process. To help you understand the necessary steps and requirements, this guide will share exactly what are the 2024-25 FAFSA requirements. Make sure you follow each step so you can get the financial support you need to fund your higher education.

Calculator on top of printed document with data

What Are the 2024-25 FAFSA Requirements?

Students can better navigate the FAFSA application with a solid understanding of its requirements and key changes.

The FAFSA is a form that determines a student’s eligibility for federal aid. It’s the gateway to grants, loans, and work-study funds, and completing it allows students to support their college education financially.

Basic Requirements to Complete FAFSA

To complete the FAFSA, applicants need the following:

  • Social Security Number (SSN) is required for identification purposes and assures accurate financial aid processing.
  • Income and tax Information includes tax returns and income details for students and their parents.
  • Records of untaxed income, such as child support allowance.
  • Assets information, including savings and investments.
  • School codes for the institutions the student plans to apply to.

Key Changes for 2024-2025

The FAFSA 2024-25 application introduces several changes that simplify the application process. One significant update is the increased access to student aid, making it easier for more students to receive financial assistance.

Following are some of the key updates.

Income Threshold Adjustments

The income protection allowance allows families to qualify for financial aid.

Parental Information

Dependent students must include their parents’ financial information. This provides a more accurate representation of household income.

Simplified Application

The FAFSA form now contains fewer questions, making it easier. Additionally, automation improvements enhance data retrieval from the IRS.

Pell Grant Calculation

Changes in how the Pell Grant is calculated mean more students can qualify based on expanded income brackets.

Detailed FAFSA Requirements for the Year 2024-25

For the 2024-25 FAFSA form, applicants need to gather personal and financial information. They must also select their school, provide signatures, and address special circumstances. Here’s a detailed breakdown.

Personal Information

Applicants must provide their personal information clearly. This includes:

  • Full name
  • Social Security Number
  • Date of birth
  • Current address, phone number, and email
  • Citizenship status
  • Intended degree type (e.g., bachelor’s, associate’s)
  • Dependency status, which determines whether parental information is needed

Financial Information

Accurate financial data from the previous tax year is important. This includes:

  • Adjusted gross income
  • Taxes paid
  • Untaxed income
  • Bank account balances, investments, and real estate (excluding primary residence)

It is recommended to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) to extract accurate information.

School Selection

Applicants can list up to 10 schools on their FAFSA form. To ensure timely processing, include each school’s Federal School Code. Additionally, update school choices during the application process if plans change.

Students gathered outside a school library

Signatures and Submission

The student and the parent must sign the FAFSA electronically using their FSA ID. This step validates the information provided within the form. After signing, submit the FAFSA form online for faster processing. Make sure every required field is filled accurately to prevent any problems or delays.

Special Circumstances

Applicants should inform the financial aid office of any unique financial situations not reflected in tax returns, such as:

  • Job loss
  • Unusual medical expenses
  • Significant changes in income

The applicant must prepare and submit the documentation supporting these circumstances promptly. Financial aid officers will then use professional judgment to adjust FAFSA data and make decisions accordingly.

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Tips for Completing the FAFSA

Completing the FAFSA can be easy with proper preparation and attention to detail. Here are practical tips to assure a smooth process and maximize financial aid opportunities:

Start Early

Filing the FAFSA early increases the chances of receiving financial aid, as some funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Mark key dates on your calendar to stay on track and avoid waiting until the last minute to gather information or submit your form. Early filing also allows for corrections if any issues arise.

Gather Necessary Documents

It is recommended to prepare the necessary documents beforehand. It will help you submit your form on time and avoid any delays. Required documents include:

  • Social Security number
  • Driver’s license
  • Tax records
  • Bank statements
  • Investment records

Having everything organized will streamline the process and reduce stress. Make sure your documents are accurate and up-to-date to avoid discrepancies.

Double-Check Information

Double-check personal information like names, Social Security numbers, and addresses. Review income and asset figures to assure they match your financial documents. Such mistakes can lead to processing delays or reduced aid eligibility, so review each section thoroughly before submission.

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The Verification Process

The verification process is a common follow-up to FAFSA submission, where additional documentation is required to verify the information provided. About 30% of FAFSA filers are selected for verification.

You may be asked to provide tax returns, W-2 forms, and other financial documents. Respond promptly to avoid delays in processing your aid. Keep copies of the documents you have submitted for your records.

Verification must be completed before financial aid is disbursed. Failure to comply can result in reduced or delayed aid. Stay in touch with your school’s financial aid office to ensure every requirement is met.

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Common FAFSA Mistakes to Avoid

Completing the FAFSA is a vital step in obtaining financial aid, but it can be complex. To increase your chances of receiving assistance, fill the FAFSA form accurately and without errors. Often, students overlook common elements that can result in their forms being rejected.

Here are some common errors and how you can avoid them.

Missing Deadlines

Every year, the federal filing deadline for FAFSA is June 30. However, state and school deadlines may vary. It’s vital to stay updated on the specific deadlines for each institution you’re applying to. Submit your application early to avoid last-minute issues.

Incorrect Information

Inaccuracy in the information provided in the form can significantly impact your chances of receiving financial aid. Common errors include wrong Social Security numbers, incorrect income figures, and misspelled names. Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to import accurate tax information directly from the IRS to minimize errors.

Not Signing the FAFSA

The FAFSA requires signatures from both the student and a parent. Failing to sign the form is a common oversight that can delay processing. Make sure both signatures are accurate and done electronically using the FSA ID to validate the application.

Students sitting in one table, while all are filling out forms

Not Knowing Common FAFSA Terminology

Being familiar with FAFSA terminology can help avoid confusion and errors. Here are key terms that you must be familiar with before filling out the form.

Expected Family Contribution (EFC)

It measures your family’s financial strength and determines your financial aid eligibility. It’s calculated based on the information you provide on the FAFSA, including income, assets, and family size. The EFC is an index number used by colleges to determine how much financial aid you are eligible to receive.

Cost of Attendance (COA)

This is the total estimated cost of attending a college or university for one academic year. It includes tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenses. Each school calculates its own COA, which is used to determine your financial aid package.

Student Aid Report (SAR)

This is a summary of the information you provided on the FAFSA. It includes your EFC and is sent to the colleges you listed on your FAFSA. Review the SAR carefully for any errors and make corrections if needed.

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Impact of FAFSA on Scholarships and Grants

Filing the FAFSA can open the door to various scholarships and grants. Schools and private organizations often require FAFSA information to determine aid eligibility. Even if you think you may not qualify for need-based aid, it’s worth completing, as some merit-based scholarships also consider FAFSA forms.

Graduate students should also complete the FAFSA, as they are eligible for different types of aid compared to undergraduates. Include any relevant graduate-specific information. Check for graduate-exclusive financial aid opportunities and consult the financial aid office for further assistance tailored to graduate-level students.

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Top Universities With Financial Aid

Attending a top-tier college can be a life-changing experience. However, the cost of tuition and living expenses can be a significant barrier for many students. Fortunately, several colleges are committed to making education accessible through generous financial aid packages.

Here are some of the top universities that offer financial support to students who want to pursue their academic goals.

UniversityAdmission PolicyAverage Net Price for Students Receiving Aid
Harvard UniversityNeed-blind$12,570
Princeton UniversityNeed-blind$16,642
Wellesley CollegeNeed-blind$17,315
Yale UniversityNeed-blind$19,961

  1. #1

    Harvard University

    Cambridge , MA
    #1 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #1 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025 #1 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #1 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $57K

    Acceptance

    3%

    Graduation

    98%

    Student body

    39K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/35

    Career Outlook for degree at Harvard University

    Cost of Degree: $59,076
    Expenses: $27,629
    Starting Salary: $139,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Harvard University is renowned for making exceptional education accessible through its generous financial aid offerings.

    Due to its comprehensive financial aid packages, Harvard is more affordable than a public college for 90% of American families. Notably, Harvard practices a need-blind admissions policy. This means the university doesn’t consider a student’s ability to pay when making admissions decisions.

    The university’s financial aid program doesn’t expect families with an annual income below $85,000 to contribute financially to their child’s education. For families earning between $85,000 and $150,000, the expected contribution is capped at no more than 10% of their income.

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  2. #2

    Princeton University

    Princeton , NJ
    #4 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #6 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #6 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #7 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $57K

    Acceptance

    6%

    Graduation

    97%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Princeton University

    Cost of Degree: $59,710
    Expenses: $24,330
    Starting Salary: $116,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Princeton University is renowned for its efforts to make world-class education accessible to students from different financial backgrounds. The university offers need-based financial aid to accepted students. This assures that cost doesn’t prevent deserving students from accessing educational opportunities.

    Financial aid supports students from families earning less than $180,000, covering a minimum of 95% of the entire tuition fee. For families with an income of less than $65,000, Princeton’s average grant is large enough to cover not only the full tuition, but also the room and boarding costs.

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    3. Two female students sitting near the stairs while looking and pointing overhead
  3. #3

    Yale University

    New Haven , CT
    #5 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #5 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #6 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025 #6 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    5%

    Graduation

    98%

    Student body

    16K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1540/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Yale University

    Cost of Degree: $64,700
    Expenses: $23,600
    Starting Salary: $124,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Yale promises to meet 100% of students’ financial needs without requiring loans. The university’s financial assistance policies include a need-blind admission process and need-based aid.

    Additionally, Yale uses a sliding scale to determine family contributions. Families earning $75,000 or less yearly are not expected to pay anything toward college costs. Families earning $75,000-$200,000 annually are expected to contribute 1-20%, with higher contributions for those with higher incomes.

    In the academic year of 2023-2024, students from households earning less than $65,000 were granted scholarship assistance, with an average scholarship amounting to approximately $84,200.

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  5. #4

    Wellesley College

    Wellesley , MA
    #9 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #9 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #4 Best Small Colleges in Massachusetts 2025 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    14%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1490/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Wellesley College

    Cost of Degree: $64,320
    Expenses: $21,970
    Starting Salary: $71,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Wellesley College provides financial aid to meet 100% of students’ demonstrated financial needs and employs a need-blind admissions process. The college does not require students from families earning under $100,000 per year to pay for tuition and limits family contributions to $28,000.

    Some students may receive loans as part of their financial aid, the loan amount is limited to $3,000 for the first year and $15,200 for four years for students with financial need. You can also use Wellesley’s financial aid website tools to calculate a customized estimate of college expenses after factoring in grants.

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Related Questions

What if I Make a Mistake on My FAFSA?

If an applicant makes a mistake on their FAFSA, they can correct it online by logging into the FAFSA website with the FSA ID. However, it is recommended to double-check before resubmitting.

How Do I Check My FAFSA Status?

To check the status of a FAFSA application, log in to the FAFSA website using the FSA ID. This page will display the current status of the application, including whether it has been processed.

What Happens After I Submit My FAFSA?

After submitting a FAFSA, it undergoes a processing period. Once processed, students receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). It summarizes the information submitted and mentions the Expected Family Contribution (EFC).

Conclusion

Meeting the FAFSA requirements for the 2024-25 academic year can significantly impact a student’s financial aid prospects. By understanding the new changes, sharing accurate information, and avoiding common mistakes on the application, applicants can increase their chances of receiving maximum aid and make informed decisions about their education financing.

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