FAFSA® Simplification

Notice for the 2024-25 Academic Year:

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2024-25 academic year is now available. The 2024-25 FAFSA is applicable to Fall 2024, Spring 2025 and Summer 2025 semesters at UIS. The priority filing date for UIS is March 15, 2024.

View past webinar FAFSA Updates from our Financial Aid office. The PowerPoint presentation is available from the April 18, 2024 webinar:

April 18 2024 FAFSA Update PPTDownload

See updates from Financial Aid regarding the timeline and other important information in our Financial Aid News.

I have submitted my FAFSA. What happens next?

  • The schools students select will receive their FAFSA eligibility information starting in mid-March. 
  • Students may not make corrections to a submitted FAFSA until their application has been processed, sometime in the first half of April.
  • Students should receive an email when their FAFSA Submission Summary is available to review on StudentAid.gov. In mid-March, students should log in to be sure that their FAFSA form was fully processed.
  • Students should expect to begin to receive aid information from schools they have been accepted to several weeks after the school received their FAFSA information.

What changes are expected with the new FAFSA?

As part of the FAFSA Simplification Act, we anticipate significant changes to the federal financial aid process for the 2024-25 academic year. Here's what you need to know:

  • The calculation methodology for determining financial aid has changed. The Student Aid Index (SAI) will be used to assess your and your family's ability to cover college expenses.
  • The new need analysis formula no longer considers the number of family members attending college when determining aid eligibility.
  • The Federal Pell Grant Program eligibility criteria has been updated to consider family size and the federal poverty level, potentially providing financial assistance to more students.
  • Several processes and systems for awarding federal student aid have been revised, including a new interface for direct receipt of federal tax information from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), made possible by the Fostering Undergraduate Talent by Unlocking Resources for Education (FUTURE) Act.
  • You can now list up to 20 different colleges on the online FAFSA for information sharing, a notable increase from the previous limit of ten colleges.

FAFSA Tips

The 2024-2025 FAFSA is here with some new changes! Here are some tips to consider before completing the FAFSA application.

  1. Stay informed- Check FAFSA communications and follow reputable sources regarding FAFSA information, updates, and/or glitches.
  2. Understand Application Changes and Have Necessary Documentation - Utilize resources such as the Department of Education and FAFSA Help websites to understand changes to the application and gather documents needed to complete the FAFSA form.
  3. Utilize Official Support and School Financial Aid Offices- StudentAid.gov resources such as online chat, FAQs, guides and other support and UIS Financial Aid office assistance.
  4. Address Technical Errors Immediately- If you encounter a technical issue, contact the appropriate support such as the StudentAid.gov chatbot or reaching out to technical support. Be persistent in seeking resolution.
  5. Be Mindful of Deadlines
  6. Document and Appeal- If faced with challenges, consider requesting a review with the financial aid office. Document extenuating circumstances and be prepared to provide this to support your case.

Tips for Students with Contributors without SSN

The FAFSA evaluates income, assets, and other factors to determine your eligibility for financial aid. While most questions are related to demographics, the remaining ones are based on tax forms, either yours or those of your parents (for dependent students) or your spouse (if you are married). Remember that your eligibility for financial aid depends on your family's financial situation, so it's crucial to submit your application annually, and early.

The Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid, a financial aid application for students who qualify under the Retention of Illinois Students & Equity (RISE) Act, is also now available for 2024-25. Visit the ISAC website for news and updates.

Resources

Federal Student Aid website

Obtaining an FSA ID Without a SSN

FAFSA® Simplification Fact Sheet

ISAC Financial Aid: Completing the FAFSA®

FSAOutreach YouTube Channel

Contact Financial Aid at UIS for more information and individual assistance.