FAFSA Deadline 2024 – 2025: Secure Federal Student Aid This Year

The federal deadline to file your FAFSA for the 2024 – 2025 academic year is June 30, 2025. While this date may seem far off, don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. Apply as soon as possible to get a jump-start on securing federal student aid for the upcoming academic year.

Mark these FAFSA deadlines in your calendar and get a jump-start navigating the application process with confidence.

What Is FAFSA?

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is completed by current and incoming college students to determine their eligibility for federal student financial aid. Anyone who wants to receive federal grants, work-study funds and loans for college or graduate school must complete a FAFSA form.

Schools use the information on your FAFSA to determine your eligibility for financial aid. Some funds get awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. The earlier you submit your FAFSA, the better your chances of receiving federal or state assistance.

FAFSA Deadlines To Know

The first step to mastering the college application maze is to understand there's no single deadline. Different forms and applications have varying due dates throughout the school year.

There are three primary student aid categories and deadlines to keep in mind: federal, state and college. It’s critical to stay on top of your deadlines because missing even one could cost you thousands of dollars in financial aid.

• Federal FAFSA Deadline: The FAFSA deadline to apply for federal financial aid for an upcoming academic year usually falls on June 30 of the following year.
• State Deadlines: Each state sets its deadline, which can be much earlier than federal or college deadlines. Knowing your state’s deadline is essential to maximizing your aid award and accessing state financial aid programs.
• College Deadlines: Colleges independently determine FAFSA deadlines. While they may coincide with federal or state deadlines, they typically precede them. Always note the deadlines of the colleges you’re applying to. If you're not sure what they are, contact the school's financial aid office.

State FAFSA Deadlines

Not all states share the same FAFSA form deadlines as the federal government. Many states offer grants and financial aid, and these programs may have different FAFSA submission deadlines.

The following chart provides a general overview of FAFSA deadlines by state as of April 25, 2024. To make sure you have the most up-to-date information, it’s always wise to check with a financial aid counselor.

FAFSA Updates For 2024 – 2025

Thanks to the FAFSA Simplification Act, the FAFSA process for the 2024 – 2025 academic year is more straightforward. Here's an overview of the changes and how they may affect students:

• Introduction of the Student Aid Index (SAI): The Student Aid Index (SAI) replaces the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). SAI aims to better reflect a family's financial situation. Like EFC, the SAI will help determine financial need by subtracting it from the cost of school attendance.
• Streamlined form: The FAFSA form is shorter and features only about a third of the questions on the previous version. The streamlined form uses federal tax data to automatically populate many questions, saving time and making the process more straightforward for students and their families.
• Enhanced Pell Grant eligibility: Using a new formula based on family income and household size, a larger pool of students is eligible for Pell Grants. Now, it’s easier for applicants to understand their eligibility. They may even learn how much aid they can potentially expect upfront.
• IRS data retrieval: Most students and families will no longer need their tax returns to file the FAFSA. With the updated process, FAFSA can import federal tax information from the IRS with your permission, reducing the time you spend typing in answers and potential errors.
• Early estimate tool: Applicants can now use English and Spanish language tools to get an early estimate of their SAI and potential federal financial aid, providing better insight into the aid they may receive.

Steps For Filling Out The FAFSA

Future and current college students are regularly advised to fill out the FAFSA financial aid application. But every year, so many of them don’t. If you need help navigating the form, we’ve listed five simple steps to help ensure you meet the FAFSA deadline.

1. Set Aside Time To Complete Your FAFSA Application

Clear time on your schedule to focus on the application. It takes most people less than an hour to complete the FAFSA. You fill out around 30 questions and must provide or verify personal and financial information.

Information You'll Verify

The streamlined application should autofill most of this information from the IRS tax forms. However, you may have to verify the following information:

• Your Social Security number
• Your driver’s license
• Your federal income tax returns
• Bank statements
• Your parents' W-2 forms
• Your 1040 forms if you’re filing as a dependent

2. Create Your FAFSA Account And Log In

If you haven’t already, create a Federal Student Aid ID. It only takes about 10 minutes to do, and you’ll use it every year to complete a new FAFSA.

You’ll need a FAFSA ID even if you plan to file as a dependent. Your parents will create separate FAFSA IDs.

3. Fill Out The Form At FAFSA.Gov

Once your paperwork is in order and you’ve created an account, it’s time to fill out the FAFSA. If you’ve filled out the form before, you may notice the application is more streamlined, and there are fewer questions to answer. Avoid errors that can delay the processing of your financial aid application. Complete the form carefully and double-check the accuracy of your answers before clicking the submit button.

4. Submit Your Application As Soon As Possible

After double-checking your financial aid application, you should be ready to submit the FAFSA. Apply well before June 30, 2025, to increase your chances of receiving a full range and amount of federal student aid.

5. Wait To Receive Your Financial Award Letter

After applying, you’ll wait to receive your award letter from the financial aid office. The letter will outline how much financial aid you’ve been awarded and any federal loans you qualify for. You can appeal your financial award if you believe the school didn’t grant enough federal assistance. 

Tips For Maximizing Federal Aid Through The FAFSA

How you navigate the FAFSA can significantly influence your ability to secure the maximum possible federal aid for college. Here are several strategies to ensure you're making the most of the opportunities provided by the FAFSA:

Prioritize Early Submission

Once the application window opens, the pivotal first step is to submit your FAFSA application, usually on October 1. Aid is typically granted on a first-come, first-served basis, so early applicants can access a larger pool of available funds. Filing early also increases your chances of receiving a full spectrum of aid, including grants, federal work-study options and loans with favorable terms.

File Annually

Filing the FAFSA isn't a one-shot deal. Every academic year requires a fresh application to remain eligible for student aid. Students often miss out on available assistance because they assume changes in their financial circumstances have disqualified them from receiving it. However, submitting your FAFSA every year ensures your eligibility reflects your current needs.

Use Available Resources

Numerous resources are available to help you navigate the FAFSA form. The Federal Student Aid website features a comprehensive FAQs section, step-by-step guides and direct support to answer any questions during the application process. You should also rely on your high school guidance counselor, college financial aid offices and authorized FAFSA preparers. They can offer advice and insights and help steer you through any problems you encounter.

Leveraging these strategies to maximize your federal student aid will set a solid foundation for your academic and financial future.

FAFSA Deadline FAQS

What do I do if I miss the financial aid deadline?

If you miss a deadline, act swiftly. Some aid programs have rolling deadlines, or you may qualify for aid that isn’t deadline sensitive. Reach out to the financial aid offices of the schools you want to attend.

Can submitting the FAFSA form late affect my aid?

While you risk facing limited funding with a late submission, you can still qualify for Pell Grants or federal student loans. College or state grants may become unavailable with a late submission.

How do I check the status of my financial aid application?

You can log in to the FAFSA website to check the status of your application. After submitting your application, you'll get a Student Aid Report (SAR) with your application status and types of aid you may be eligible to receive.

The Bottom Line

The FAFSA deadline is more than just a date on your crowded academic calendar. It’s a chance to help make earning your degree more affordable. Complete the FAFSA form as early as possible to maximize the federal aid you receive. Use every resource available to navigate the process. Set a recurring alarm to file annually and make the most of the federal government’s financial assistance.

Once you get the aid, it’s crucial to learn how to make those dollars stretch. Download the Rocket Money^SM app to level up your money management skills today!