Note: Since this article was originally published, FSA has announced that the Better FAFSA will open by December 31, 2023.
The National College Attainment Network (NCAN) has launched our Better FAFSA Awareness Toolkit to help our members inform their partners and stakeholders as well as
students and communities they serve about the upcoming changes to the 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
The web page features a variety of resources and tools, including:
Talking points covering the important things to know about the Better FAFSA.
The Toolkit also includes a link to NCAN’s Better FAFSA FAQs page.
As the academic year has already begun for many, now is the time to raise awareness about the Better FAFSA. Paramount to communicate is the fact that the new form will be rolled out by December 31, 2023 rather than October 1. Your partners and stakeholders should also be aware of the comprehensive, numerous, and beneficial changes coming with the Better FAFSA.
The delayed opening date will mean students and families have less time to complete the form. NCAN is urging all states and higher education institutions to push back their financial aid deadlines and decision days to allow students adequate time to apply for much-needed support. For states, this will require legislative action.
While many states and institutions have already pushed back their financial aid deadlines, many have not, and NCAN members should be prepared for a shortened application window. Organizations assisting in FAFSA completion should also get a head-start
on completion efforts by hosting FSA ID creation eventsbefore the Better FAFSA opens, as everyone who inputs
information into the new form will need an FSA ID. They should also plan to host FAFSA completion events in January 2024 as opposed to October, November, or December.
One key early awareness tool is the 2024-25 Pell Grant Lookup tables released in May. This essential
early-awareness tool can be used to determine if students are eligible for the minimum or maximum grant. Learn more about how to use this tool here.
This Awareness Toolkit is part of a larger campaign by NCAN around the Better FAFSA. Our Better FAFSA page includes numerous tools and resources such as a State Policy and Advocacy Toolkit, Training Toolkit, a compilation of Better FAFSA-related news, and a list of upcoming training opportunities.
Bookmark this page and check back often as it is updated regularly as more information is released.
Do you have any questions about the Toolkit or NCAN’s Better FAFSA campaign? Reach out to Communications Manager Matthew Odom at odomm@ncan.org.
Email to a Friend