2024-25 FAFSA NOW AVAILABLE- What do you need to know?
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2024-25 school year is NOW AVAILABLE!
At Midland University, we understand that navigating your educational costs can be one of the most difficult pieces to your college decision.
One tool that can help you unlock financial aid resources is the FAFSA, and there are some important changes that have been made to the form through the FAFSA Simplification Act. These changes make it easier for students, families, and supporters to complete and submit the FAFSA form, and it helps expand access to federal and state student aid.
Our team is here to help you with all financial aid resources, including the FAFSA, and can assist you with any questions you may have.
Next Steps & Additional Resources
Complete Your FAFSA Form
In order to be considered for all possible financial aid, complete the FAFSA as soon as possible.
Apply to Midland
Once you are accepted to Midland and Midland has received your completed FAFSA, our team can get to work on your official scholarship offer! Complete our simple and free application for admission now to begin that process!
Delay Period
There will be a delay in FAFSA information being delivered to schools. Midland will not start receiving student FAFSA information until March.
Six Things Students Need Before They Fill Out the 2024–25 FAFSA Form
Check out this article that provides useful tips and information to help you and your supporters fill out the FAFSA form.
Six Things to Know Before Filling Out the FAFSAWhat has changed with the FAFSA?
New Open Date
In the past, the FAFSA has become available on October 1st of each year. The 2024-25 FAFSA became available at the end of December 2023.
Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is changing to Student Aid Index (SAI)
The SAI is a number that determines each student’s eligibility for certain types of federal student aid and will be used for awarding need-based grants, loans, and other aid types.
Streamlined Application Process
In addition to an easier application process with fewer questions, there is also a new Direct Data Exchange (DDX) secure system that makes it easier to transfer Federal Tax Information (FTI) directly from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Increased Pell Grant Eligibility
Nationwide, over 500,000 more students are estimated to be eligible for Federal Pell Grant support.
What has NOT changed with the FAFSA?
- The FAFSA is still the best tool to unlock additional resources that are available to you, including federal, state, and institutional aid.
- Students still complete the FAFSA on an annual basis.
- Degree-seeking students will be eligible for federal student loans if they complete the FAFSA and are not in default on previous student loans.
- Early completion is still valuable since some aid is awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. Early FAFSA applications receive priority consideration for limited funds.
- Questions introduced in 2023-24 about the applicant’s sex, race, and ethnicity have no effect on federal student aid eligibility. These questions are only used for statistical purposes.
- Questions about dependency status that determine whether your parents complete the FAFSA with you remain the same.
- The FAFSA asks for tax information from the prior-prior year.
Estimate My Federal Student Aid
This federal tool was created to provide your family with qualifying aid estimates. This is not a Midland tool, and would not factor in any scholarships earned at Midland University.
Estimate AidFAFSA Contributors without Social Security Numbers (SSNs)
Each student must have a Social Security Number (SSN) in order to complete the FAFSA. Each person whose information is required on the FAFSA (contributor) must have an FSA ID to access the form. Issues with the 2024-2025 FAFSA were previously preventing parents or student spouses without SSNs from completing the form.
Learn More About the FAFSA Simplification Act
Visit the FAFSA Simplification Act page from the Federal Student Aid Office of the U.S. Department of Education to learn more about the FAFSA changes.
Learn More About the FAFSA Simplication ActContact Us
For questions about the FAFSA or other Financial Aid resources, please contact us at finaid@midlandu.edu or 402-941–6520.