FAFSA Simplification
The biggest changes in 40 years are coming to Financial Aid in the 2024-25 academic year. Are you ready? This information will be updated as the Financial Aid Office prepares for these changes.
What Is It? Why Is It Changing?
The FAFSA Simplification Act is a significant overhaul of the processes and systems used to award federal student aid starting with the 2024-25 award year. Some changes have already gone into effect in prior years, but the largest changes are occurring in 2024-25. This includes changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form, how need is calculated, and many policies and procedures for schools that participate in federal student aid programs. These changes will alter how it looks for students to apply for aid through the FAFSA® form and how aid is determined.
Last Chance - Final Workshop Session
Learn everything you need to know at CC's FAFSA/WASFA Workshops!
2-5pm Wednesdays, May 22
Washington Hall Room 207
Centralia College
Open to CC students and all high seniors and their families. Let our Financial Aid experts help you with the 2024-25 FAFSA/WASFA applications for financial aid.
What Is Changing?
Your 2024-25 FAFSA® process will be different, but the Financial Aid Office is here for you! This webpage will keep you updated with the most recent information.
- Say goodbye to “EFC” (expected family contribution) and hello to “SAI” (student aid
index).
- This number measures the student and/or family’s ability to pay for college. The new formula allows for a potential SAI as low as -1500. There will also be a separate eligibility criterion for determining Federal Pell Grants.
- Expanded Access to Federal Pell Grant
- Expanded eligibility based on family size (not including number in college) and federal poverty level will allow more students to receive Federal Pell Grants.
- Incarcerated students in federal and state penal facilities may be able to receive Federal Pell Grants.
- Federal Pell Grant lifetime eligibility will be restored to students whose school closed when they were enrolled or if the school is found to have misled the student.
- Streamlined FAFSA® Form
- Fewer questions will be asked and federal tax data will automatically be transferred from the IRS starting with the 2024-25 FAFSA®.
- New Terminology
- With the 2024-25 FAFSA®, you will see and hear words such as contributor (anyone who is asked to provide information on the FAFSA®, like a parent or spouse) and consent (each required contributor will be required to consent to their information being included on the FAFSA®).
Want More Information?
Watch what Federal Student Aid has to say about FAFSA Simplification in their YouTube video.
How Can You Prepare?
- Get your FSA ID NOW! Students and parents must each create their own FSA ID. Create your FSA ID now.
- Attend a FAFSA/WASFA Workshop at CC.
- See how the FAFSA Simplification changes impact your possible aid amount. Use the Federal Student Aid Estimator to see what you may now be eligible for.
- Check back here for the most recent updates!
Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA)
How Is the WASFA Being Impacted?
- The Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) is now open.
- This page will be updated with WASFA changes and how state aid is impacted.
- Follow Washington Student Achievement Council’s WASFA website as well for additional resources.
Resources
- What is the FAFSA Simplification Act by Federal Student Aid
- Video: What's Changed for the 2024-25 FAFSA Form?
- Video: Why do My contributors and I Need Our Own StudentAid.gov Accounts?
- Video: Who is a Contributor on the 2024-25 FAFSA Form?
- Video: What Does it Mean to Provide Consent and Approval on the FAFSA Form?
CONTACT FINANCIAL AID
8am-5pm Monday-Thursday, 8am-12pm Friday (fall, winter, spring)
8am-5pm Monday-Thursday (summer)
360-623-8975
ccfinancialaid@centralia.edu