FAFSA Updates and Support
2024 FAFSA Updates
In 2023. the FAFSA Simplification Act was passed making significant changes to the FAFSA. Please review the information below to prepare for the new process and transition. Stay alert, be prepared, and apply early!!!
The 2024 - 2025 FAFSA is open! The Department of Education has announced there are several known issues and they are working to resolve them. In addition, TAMUSA will not receive FAFSA files until mid March. Texas A&M San Antonio will continue to provide updates on when files will be received and when students will receive award letters.
The U.S. Department of Education has updated the FAFSA for the first major redesign in 40 years. New formulas are estimated to increase Pell funding by nearly 15% with A&M-SA students estimated to receive over 3 million more in the Pell Grant. Stay alert, be prepared, and apply early!!!
Current Time Line:
- 2024/2025 FAFSA and TASFA will open in December (Schedule to return to October for 2025-2026 application)
- Fall 2024 Application for Admission Priority Deadline - January 15th, 2024
- FAFSA or TAFSA Priority Deadline - April 15th, 2024
- A&M-San Antonio Scholarships Priority Deadline - April 15th, 2024
The New FAFSA
2024-2025 Release Delayed
The 2024-2025 FAFSA Application was released in December 2023, this date is set by the Federal Government. A&M-SA will continually monitor for more details or any changes. Please regularly visit the Paying for College website or this page for the latest information.
Student Aid Index
The new Student Aid Index is measurement of a student and family’s ability to pay for college. The new formula will provide financial aid administers more insight for students. The new methodology will expand the Federal Pell Grant to more students by linking the family size to the federal poverty level by offering three different Pell Grant levels.
Consent to Retrieve and Disclose
Students, spouses, parents, and stepparents (contributors) will now need to provide their consent to provide their Federal Tax Information (FTI) in the new Consent to Retrieve and Disclose Federal Tax Information section of the FAFSA for federal student aid eligibility. Dependent students will not be able to qualify for need based grants without parental consent.
Changes to the FAFSA Process
5 New Changes in the New FAFSA Process
- Terminology Changes
- The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) will now be the Student Aid Index (SAI)
- The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) will now be the IRS Direct Data Exchange (DDX).
- Contributors will replace the terms student, parent, parent spouse, and/or student spouse.
- Your spouse or stepparents may need to participate as a contributor and provide consent with their FSA ID. All contributors will be required to provide consent even if the contributor does not have a social security number (SSN). Watch this video to learn more
- Federal Tax Information will directly be transferred through the consent process.
- The number of questions on the FAFSA will be reduced from 108 to 48 questions. This shortened application will take less time to complete!
- Your parent of record on the FAFSA may change. Income and asset information will be required for the parent that provides the most financial support even if you did not live with them in the past 12 months.
Preparation and Resources
How to Prepare
- Create and FSA ID: View step-by-step instructions
- Stay Informed: Watch this video for federal and state eligibility
- Apply Early
Resources for Students and Families
Frequently Asked Questions
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How long will the FSA ID process take?
It may take around 3 days for the FSA to complete the verification process. Please complete your FSA ID and encourage your contributor to complete theirs as soon as possible -
What happens if my contributor is unwilling to provide consent?
If a required contributor is unwilling to provide consent to have their tax information transferred on the FAFSA, the student will not have a Student Aid Index (SAI) calculated providing eligibility. Please contact the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships if your contributor is unwilling, we can possibly help in providing loan eligibility in some cases. -
Where can I get an estimate of my federal aid eligibility?
The Federal Student Aid Estimator is tool will help to provide you with your SAI and federal financial aid eligible awards. -
Will there be any available workshops to receive help with the creation of my FSA ID or FAFSA application?
The Office of Financial Assistance will offer FSA ID workshops on campus and virtually in November and December. Weekly FAFSA workshops will begin as soon as the FAFSA opens. Check back regularly as events will be soon added. Events will be open to new applicants and continuing students. -
Will the TASFA priority deadline change or be impacted?
The state released a revised deadline of April 15th. Applications should open in December. -
My Pell Grant eligibility decreased with the new SAI. Will there be any additional consideration?
Please contact the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships. They can review your eligibility and help with any special circumstances that may impact your eligibility for the Pell Grant.