2024-2025 FAFSA Changes

I’m trying to complete the FASFA but am running into issues. Why can’t I get in?

The 2024-25 FASFA form has been significantly redesigned. That process caused a delay to the release of the FASFA and now the U.S. Department of Education occasionally needs to pause it to perform maintenance and make technical updates to improve the experience as they work out pinch points.

When can I expect my financial aid award?

The U.S. Department of Education recently notified campuses that they will not receive student information from submitted FASFA forms until mid-March. Once we receive student information, it can take several weeks to process and prepare financial aid awards. We will make every effort to get your financial aid package to you as soon as we can – we hope to have packages ready by late April/early May for first-year students and in June for transfer students.

How will I receive my financial aid award?

To receive your award, you must ensure that you have completed the 2024-25 FASFA and have responded to requests for additional information (such as your SSN or verification process). If we have all the needed pieces, you will receive an email and printed award letter in the mail.

When is the deadline to apply for Financial Aid?

We recommend applying before the start of the term so that you have the information you need to make informed financial decisions and so that your aid can be applied prior to the tuition due date. So, rest assured, even with the delays in processing, you do have plenty of time to apply for and receive aid.

How do I check the status of my FAFSA form?

To check the status of your 2024–25 FASFA form, log in to StudentAid.gov. You can find your application status in the Status Center under “My Activity,” which displays after you log in.

Can my parent and I share the same account username and password (FSA ID)?

Beginning with the 2024–25 FAFSA form, all contributors must create their own FSA ID to access and complete their portion of the FAFSA form. Starting December 2023, contributors without an SSN can create an FSA ID.

I applied for Stout University Foundation Scholarships, when will I be notified?

Non-need-based scholarships are in the process of being awarded, but need-based scholarships will be awarded after the FAFSA has been received and processed.

How can I estimate my Financial Aid?

StudentAid.gov has an estimator you can use to see how much federal student aid you may be eligible for in the 2024-25 award year. Access the tool at https://studentaid.gov/aid-estimator.

Where can I find additional resources and support for financial planning?

In addition to the Financial Aid Office, UW-Stout has a Financial Wellness & Literacy Center. Our center aims to equip students with essential financial knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about creating a plan to pay for college, budgeting, scholarship searches, food management plans, campus and community resources, and overall financial wellness. Learn more at uwstout.edu/financial-wellness.

Simplification for a Streamlined Experience
The 2024-2025 FAFSA brings a breath of fresh air with a simpler format; most students will see the question count drop from 108 to just 46. The smart application will navigate your journey, skipping irrelevant sections based on your unique situation. Plus, the process of reporting income and tax details is now more straightforward, as we'll describe shortly.

Effortless Income and Tax Data Sharing
Gone are the days of manual entries or using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT). Starting with the 2024-2025 cycle, you'll use the IRS Direct Data Exchange (DDX) for a seamless transfer of your financial details to the FAFSA, or you'll simply confirm if you haven't filed taxes.

Unified Access with FSA ID
Every contributor to your FAFSA—whether it’s you, your spouse, your parents, or a stepparent—will need an FSA ID. This is a key step to ensure a unified and secure process for all involved, especially if taxes are filed separately.

Introducing the Student Aid Index (SAI)
The traditional Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) is being transformed into the Student Aid Index (SAI). It’s not just a new name—it’s a new system, which can even indicate a negative figure, bottoming out at -1500, to better reflect your aid eligibility.

Housing Assumptions for Financial Aid
UW-Stout is adapting to the FAFSA's shift away from housing plans. Our assumption is first and second-year students will embrace the campus living experience, while those in their third year and beyond will venture off-campus. This change is pivotal in customizing your financial aid package to suit your Stout journey.

Refined Parental Data Requirements
The FAFSA narrative is changing, and so is the way we consider parental contributions. For students with divorced or separated parents, the FAFSA will now focus on the parent who offered more financial support over the last year. If that parent has a new partner, we'll include the stepparent's information too. And in cases of equal support? It's the earnings of the higher-income parent that will count.

Revised Family Contribution Calculations
In a significant shift, the Student Aid Index (SAI) removes the previous consideration of multiple students in college from the same household. This means for some, particularly those with college-bound siblings, the lens through which need-based aid eligibility is assessed will alter, potentially affecting the aid received.

Bringing Family Farms and Businesses into the Equation
The FAFSA is evolving to include more of your family's financial picture. Now, the value of family farms and small businesses with fewer than 100 employees will no longer be omitted—they'll be part of your story when calculating your FAFSA. For Stout students, this change underscores our commitment to understanding and supporting the full scope of your financial journey.