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The FAFSA form reduced the maximum number of questions from 108 to 46. And because the online FAFSA form is dynamic, some students won't even be presented with all 46 questions. This streamlined format simplifies the application process and makes it less daunting for students and their families.

Previously, the FAFSA form only allowed students to list up to 10 colleges and universities.

In previous years, the FAFSA form was available in English and Spanish. The 2024–25 application was expanded to include the 11 most common languages spoken by English learner students and their parents.

Previously, users had the option to enter their tax information manually or use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool. Beginning with 2024–25, all persons on the FAFSA form are now required to use the IRS Direct Data Exchange to share tax information or confirm non-filing status. This change makes it easier to complete the FAFSA form and reduces the number of questions to be answered. 

If you do not opt into the data exchange the student will not be eligible for federal student aid.

A contributor — a new term introduced on the 2024–25 FAFSA — refers to anyone who is required to provide information on a student’s form (such as a parent/stepparent or spouse). A student’s or parent’s answers on the FAFSA form will determine which contributors (if any) will be required to provide information.

Contributors will receive an email informing them that they’ve been identified as such, and will need to log in using their own FSA ID (if they don't already have one) to provide the required information on the student's FAFSA.

Being a contributor does not mean they are financially responsible for the student’s education costs, but it does mean the contributor must provide information on the FAFSA form or the application will be incomplete and the student will not be eligible for federal student aid.

A notable terminology update within the new FAFSA is the replacement of the term Expected Family Contribution (EFC) with the Student Aid Index (SAI). This name more accurately describes the number used to determine aid eligibility and, unlike the EFC, the SAI may be a negative number down to -1500.

Previously, the FAFSA form calculated the number of household members attending college into the EFC, dividing it proportionately to determine federal aid eligibility. Beginning with the 2024–25 FAFSA, the application still asks how many household members are in college, but your answer will not be calculated into the SAI. As such, undergraduate É«ÏãÊÓƵ students with siblings in college may see a change in their federal aid eligibility.

Families making less than 175% and single parents making less than 225% of the will see their students receive a maximum Federal Pell Grant award. Minimum Pell Grants will be guaranteed to students from households below 275%, 325%, 350%, or 400% of the poverty level, depending on household structure. Pell awards between the maximum and minimum amounts will be determined by SAI.

For , financial information was previously needed from the parent(s) the student had lived with the most in the last 12 months. With the new FAFSA, financial information is required from the parent(s) who provided the most financial support to the student.

When required, families must now report the value of their small business or family farm. If the family farm includes the principal place of residence, applicants should determine the total net value of all farm assets and subtract the net value of their principal residence to determine the final value of their farm assets.