2023/2024 FAFSA Deadlines Parents Need to Know

The 2023-2024 FAFSA® deadlines parents need to know. FAFSA applications started on October 1, 2022. It’s important for students to submit their applications for financial aid as soon as possible.

The sooner you file your FAFSA the better your chances of maximizing your financial aid.

Important FAFSA Dates to Add to Your Calendar

There are three key dates students should circle in their calendars every year: October 1st, June 30th, and September 10th. If you have any questions about school-specific deadlines, you should talk to your financial aid administrator.

Academic Year FAFSA Open FAFSA Deadline Corrections Due

  1. 2022-2023 October 1, 2021 June 30, 2023 September 10, 2023  
  2. 2023-2024 October 1, 2022 June 30, 2024 September 10, 2024  

*Until further notice from the FSA, those dates will not change for subsequent academic years. Students should be prepared to file their 2023-2024 FAFSA on October 1st, 2022.

Current FAFSA Applications Available

The 2022-23 FAFSA opened on October 1, 2021, and will remain open until June 30, 2023. Students will be able to make corrections until Sept. 10, 2023.
The 2023-24 FAFSA opens on October 1, 2022, and will remain open until June 30, 2024.
Students will be able to make corrections until September 10, 2024.

College FAFSA Deadlines

Each college may have its own deadline. Check with the college(s) you’re interested in attending so you can be sure not to miss their deadlines.

You may also want to ask your college about its definition of an application deadline. For instance, the dates your FAFSA is submitted, processed, and received by the college can differ greatly. So having this information will help you get your application submitted on time.

State FAFSA Deadlines

FAFSA deadlines vary by state. Use the chart below to view your state’s deadline.

2023–24 Academic Year State Deadlines:

  • Alabama Contact Your Financial Aid Office – Check with your financial aid administrator.  
  • Alaska ASAP
    – Alaska Education Grant: As soon as possible after Oct. 1, 2022. Awards are given until funds are depleted. After Oct. 1, 2022
    – Alaska Performance Scholarship: For priority consideration, submit your application by June 30, 2023. Awards are given until funds are depleted.  June 30, 2023
  • Alberta Contact Your Financial Aid Office – There is no state (or province) deadline for Alberta.
  • American Samoa Contact Your Financial Aid Office or financial aid administrator. Additional forms may be required.  
  • Arizona Contact Your Financial Aid Office. Check with your financial aid administrator.  
  • Arkansas July 1, 2023
    – Academic Challenge: July 1, 2023, by midnight Central time (CT). ArFuture Grant (fall term): July 1, 2023, by midnight CT.

Jan. 10, 2024

ArFuture Grant (spring term): Jan. 10, 2024, by midnight CT.  

  British Columbia Contact Your Financial Aid Office

There is no state (or province) deadline for British Columbia.  

  California March 2, 2023

For many state financial aid programs: March 2, 2023 (date postmarked).

Cal Grant also requires submission of a school-certified GPA by March 2, 2023.

Sept. 2, 2023

For additional community college Cal Grants: Sept. 2, 2023 (date postmarked).

Contact Your Financial Aid Office

If you’re a noncitizen without a Social Security card or had one issued through the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, you should fill out the California Dream Act Application at dream.csac.ca.gov. Contact the California Student Aid Commission at csac.ca.gov or your financial aid administrator for more information.  

  Colorado Contact Your Financial Aid Office

Check with your financial aid administrator.  

  Connecticut Feb. 15, 2023

For priority consideration, submit your application on Feb. 15, 2023, by midnight Central time. Contact your financial aid administrator or your state agency. Additional forms may be required.  

  Delaware May 15, 2023

May 15, 2022, by midnight Central time.  

  District of Columbia July 1, 2023

For priority consideration, submit your FAFSA® form by July 1, 2023.

Aug. 1, 2023

For the DC Tuition Assistance Grant, complete the DC OneApp and submit supporting documents by Aug. 1, 2023, to receive priority consideration.  

  Federated States of Micronesia Contact Your Financial Aid Office

Check with your financial aid administrator. Additional forms may be required.  

  Florida May 15, 2023

May 15, 2023 (date processed).  

  Georgia ASAP After Oct. 1, 2022

As soon as possible after Oct. 1, 2022. Check with your financial aid administrator. Additional forms may be required. Visit GAfutures.org for additional information.  

  Guam Contact Your Financial Aid Office

Check with your financial aid administrator. Additional forms may be required.  

  Hawaii Contact Your Financial Aid Office

Check with your financial aid administrator. Additional forms may be required.  

  Idaho March 1, 2023

Opportunity Scholarship: For priority consideration, submit your application on March 1, 2023, by midnight Central time. Additional forms may be required. Contact your financial aid administrator or your state agency.  

  Illinois ASAP After Oct. 1, 2022

As soon as possible after Oct. 1, 2022. Visit isac.org for the Monetary Award Program renewal deadline; awards are offered until funds are depleted.  

  Indiana ASAP After Oct. 1, 2022

Adult Student Grant: As soon as possible after Oct. 1, 2022. Awards are offered until funds are depleted. New applicants must submit additional forms at ScholarTrack.IN.gov.

Workforce Ready Grant: As soon as possible after Oct. 1, 2022.

April 15, 2023

Frank O’Bannon Grant: April 15, 2023, by midnight Central time (CT).

21st Century Scholarship: April 15, 2023, by midnight CT.  

  Iowa July 1, 2023

July 1, 2023, by midnight Central time. Earlier priority deadlines may exist for certain programs. Additional forms may be required.  

  Kansas April 1, 2023

For priority consideration, submit your application on April 1, 2023, by midnight Central time. Contact your financial aid administrator or your state agency. Additional forms may be required.  

  Kentucky ASAP After Oct. 1, 2022

As soon as possible after Oct. 1, 2022. Awards are offered until funds are depleted.  

  Louisiana July 1, 2024

July 1, 2024 (Feb. 1, 2023, recommended).  

  Maine May 1, 2023

May 1, 2023, by midnight Central time.  

  Manitoba Contact Your Financial Aid Office

There is no state (or province) deadline for Manitoba.  

  Marshall Islands Contact Your Financial Aid Office

Check with your financial aid administrator. Additional forms may be required.  

  Maryland March 1, 2023

March 1, 2023, by midnight Central time.  

  Massachusetts May 1, 2023

For priority consideration, submit your application on May 1, 2023, by midnight Central time.  

  Michigan March 1, 2023

March 1, 2023, by midnight Central time.  

  Minnesota Contact Your Financial Aid Office

30 days after term starts, by midnight Central time.  

  Mississippi Oct. 15, 2023

MTAG and MESG Grants: Oct. 15, 2023, by midnight Central Time (CT).

April 30, 2023

HELP Grant: April 30, 2022, by midnight CT  

  Missouri Feb. 1, 2023

For priority consideration, submit your application by Feb. 1, 2023. Applications are accepted through April 1, 2023, by midnight Central time.  

  Montana Dec. 1, 2022

For priority consideration, submit your application by Dec. 1, 2022. Check with your financial aid administrator. Additional forms may be required.  

  Northern Mariana Islands April 30, 2023

For priority consideration, submit your application on April 30, 2023, by midnight Central time. Additional forms may be required.  

  Nebraska Contact Your Financial Aid Office

Check with your financial aid administrator.  

  Nevada ASAP After Oct. 1, 2022

Silver State Opportunity Grant: As soon as possible after Oct. 1, 2022. Awards are offered until funds are depleted.

March 1, 2022

Nevada Promise Scholarship: March 1, 2022; additional forms may be required. Awards are offered until funds are depleted.

Contact Your Financial Aid Office

All other aid: Check with your financial aid administrator. Additional forms may be required.  

  New Brunswick Contact Your Financial Aid Office

There is no state (or province) deadline for New Brunswick.  

  New Hampshire Contact Your Financial Aid Office

Check with your financial aid administrator. Additional forms may be required.  

  New Jersey April 15, 2022

Renewal applicants (2021–22 Tuition Aid Grant recipients): April 15, 2022, by midnight Central time (CT).

Sept. 15, 2022

All other applicants for the fall and spring terms on Sept. 15, 2022, by midnight CT.

Feb. 15, 2023

All other applicants for spring term only on Feb. 15, 2023, by midnight CT.  

  New Mexico Contact Your Financial Aid Office

Check with your financial aid administrator.  

  New York June 30, 2023

June 30, 2023, by midnight Central time. Additional forms may be required.  

  Newfoundland Contact Your Financial Aid Office

There is no state (or province) deadline for Newfoundland.  

  Newfoundland/Labrador Contact Your Financial Aid Office

There is no state (or province) deadline for Newfoundland/Labrador.  

  North Carolina ASAP After Oct. 1, 2021

As soon as possible after Oct. 1, 2021. Awards are offered until funds are depleted.  

  North Dakota ASAP After Oct. 1, 2021

As soon as possible after Oct. 1, 2021. Awards are offered until funds are depleted.  

  Northwest Territories Contact Your Financial Aid Office

There is no state (or province) deadline for Northwest Territories.  

  Nova Scotia Contact Your Financial Aid Office

There is no state (or province) deadline for Nova Scotia.  

  Nunavut Contact Your Financial Aid Office

There is no state (or province) deadline for Nunavut.  

  Ohio Oct. 1, 2022

Oct. 1, 2022, by midnight Central time.  

  Oklahoma ASAP After Oct. 1, 2021

As soon as possible after Oct. 1, 2021. Awards are made until funds are depleted.  

  Ontario Contact Your Financial Aid Office

There is no state (or province) deadline for Ontario.  

  Oregon ASAP After Oct. 1, 2021

Oregon Opportunity Grant: As soon as possible after Oct. 1, 2021. Awards are made until funds are depleted.

March 1, 2022

OSAC Private Scholarships: March 1, 2022; additional forms may be required.

Contact Your Financial Aid Office

Oregon Promise Grant: Contact your state agency. Additional forms may be required.  

  Palau Contact Your Financial Aid Office

Check with your financial aid administrator. Additional forms may be required.  

  Pennsylvania Aug. 1, 2022

All first-time applicants enrolled in a community college; business, trade, or technical school; hospital school of nursing; designated Pennsylvania open-admission institution; or nontransferable two-year program: Aug. 1, 2022, by midnight Central time (CT).

May 1, 2022

All other applicants: May 1, 2022, by midnight CT. Additional forms may be required.  

  Prince Edward Island Contact Your Financial Aid Office

There is no state (or province) deadline for Prince Edward Island.  

  Puerto Rico Contact Your Financial Aid Office

Check with your financial aid administrator.  

  Quebec (QC) Contact Your Financial Aid Office

There is no state (or province) deadline for Quebec (QC).  

  Rhode Island Contact Your Financial Aid Office

Check with your financial aid administrator. Additional forms may be required.  

  Saskatchewan Contact Your Financial Aid Office

There is no state (or province) deadline for Saskatchewan.  

  South Carolina ASAP After Oct. 1, 2021

SC Commission on Higher Education Need-based Grants: As soon as possible after Oct. 1, 2021. Awards are made until funds are depleted.

June 30, 2022

Tuition Grants: June 30, 2022, by midnight Central time.  

  South Dakota Contact Your Financial Aid Office

Check with your financial aid administrator. Additional forms may be required.  

  Tennessee Feb. 1, 2022

State Grant: Prior-year recipients receive awards if eligible and apply by Feb. 1, 2022. All other awards are made to the neediest applicants. Awards are made until funds are depleted.

Tennessee Promise: Feb. 1, 2022, by midnight Central time (CT).

Sept. 1, 2022

State Lottery for the fall term: Sept. 1, 2022, by midnight CT.

Feb. 1, 2023

State Lottery for the spring and summer terms: Feb. 1, 2023, by midnight CT.  

  Texas Jan. 15, 2022

For priority consideration, submit your application by Jan. 15, 2022. Additional forms may be required. Private and two-year institutions may have different deadlines. Check with your financial aid administrator.  

  U.S. Virgin Islands Contact Your Financial Aid Office

Check with your financial aid administrator. Additional forms may be required.  

  Utah Contact Your Financial Aid Office

Check with your financial aid administrator. Awards are made until funds are depleted. Additional forms may be required.  

  Vermont ASAP After Oct. 1, 2021

As soon as possible after Oct. 1, 2021. Awards are made until funds are depleted. Additional forms may be required.  

  Virginia Contact Your Financial Aid Office

Check with your financial aid administrator. Additional forms may be required.  

  Washington ASAP After Oct. 1, 2021

As soon as possible after Oct. 1, 2021.

Contact Your Financial Aid Office

Students ineligible for federal student aid but who meet state financial aid program and residency requirements should complete the Washington Application for State Financial Aid at wsac.wa.gov/wasfa instead of the FAFSA® form. Contact the Washington Student Achievement Council at wasfa@wsac.wa.gov or your financial aid administrator for more information.  

  West Virginia March 1, 2022

PROMISE Scholarship: March 1, 2022. New applicants must complete and submit the additional form at cfwv.com. Contact your financial aid administrator or your state agency.

April 15, 2022

WV Higher Education Grant: April 15, 2022.

WV Invests Grant: For priority consideration, submit your application by April 15, 2022.  

  Wisconsin Contact Your Financial Aid Office

Check with your financial aid administrator.  

  Wyoming Contact Your Financial Aid Office

Check with your financial aid administrator. Additional forms may be required.  

  Yukon Contact Your Financial Aid Office

There is no state deadline (or province) for Yukon.  

2022 College Scholarship Scams

2022 college scholarship scams. These scholarship cons hook victims with the promise of money, but upfront “fees” never actually materialize into those needed funds. For students who are struggling to pay tuition and other college expenses, an unexpected offer of a scholarship can seem like a wish come true.  However, the majority of the time, it is bait for a scam.  

I have always preached to students and their families over the years that they should be wary of websites, seminars, or other schemes that promise to find scholarships for a fee.

Scammers typically claim to represent the government, a university, or a nonprofit organization. The details vary, but the con is the same.  The scammer will pose as a financial aid representative using words like “National” and “Federal” to sound more official.  In a more recent twist, the representative claims to help with student loan forgiveness.  They also may claim you have won a scholarship or a grant (without ever applying) and ask for payment of a one-time “processing fee.”

In another version, the scammer pressures you into applying for a “guaranteed” scholarship or grant. However, there is a fee to apply.  Once the fee is paid, time goes by, and the money is never sent.  When attempting to contact a representative, it is quickly discovered that the company has set so many conditions that it is almost impossible to receive a refund.  For example, when a family does not secure a scholarship(s) from a list that they paid for, they are informed that unless they apply to all of the scholarships listed (which could be hundreds), they do not qualify for a refund.

In summary, beware of unsolicited offers and never, never pay a fee for an outside scholarship service.

College Aid Consulting Services has been helping students get more financial aid since 1990. We are the top-rated independent full-service college financial aid consultants on the FAFSA, CSS Profile, and other financial required forms. No other financial aid consulting services has the experience we do in assisting families in obtaining more money. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about our services.

Why Student Campus Visits Are An Important Factor In Choosing A College

Student Campus Visits 2023

There is no question in our experience that student campus visits are an important factor in choosing a college or university for the 2023-24 academic school year.

A campus visit allows the student to experience the trip involved to get to the school, the people who are there, and the actual learning environment on campus. Seeing the dorms and dorm rooms, the library, the career center, the fitness center, the bookstore, tasting the food, and walking around the campus.

All of these factors are important to understanding if a student will actually be happy once he or she is a student there. Take a moment to read my blog “10 Things You Have To Do Before Going Off To College” to really get a good plan together as you make visits. 

A great college campus visit starts with preparation. Before you head out to meet with admissions officers, take time to plan ahead. We also recommend that you attempt to meet with the financial aid office. Ask questions about filling out the FAFSA and CSS profile, but try and disclose as little about your financial situation as possible.

Get ahead of the game now!  We have helped hundreds of families like yours since 1990 to lower their out of pocket costs. Contact our office for a complimentary review of your financial aid options. we can review the EFC and make other observations as a professional FAFSA preparers.

FAFSA Changes For 2024-25

Here is an update on the FAFSA Changes For 2024-25. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will see the majority of changes starting in the 2024-25 academic year and not in the 2023-24 year that was originally planned.

The U.S. Department of Education delayed most of the changes to the 2024-25 academic year due to the fact that 52% of higher education schools have not yet begun to prepare for the significant modifications coming to FAFSA.

The Department of Education said it will phase in the significant impacts to college students’ FAFSA by the 2024-25 academic year. However, the new FAFSA application will be released on Oct 1, 2022.

Here are some of the key changes:

  1. Drastically reduces number of questions on FAFSA form from 108 to a maximum of 36.
  2. EFC changed to SAI to accurately reflect how aid is calculated to determine aid eligibility rather than expected family contribution. The EFC can drop to -$1,500 compared to the EFC’s low of $0.
  3. Students can see if they are Pell Grant eligible based on income and family size before applying for financial aid.
  4. Income protection allowance is changed, which shields part of students’ and parents’ income from being counted with determining how much can be put toward college. It now protects a greater percentage of earned income.
  5. Restores Pell Grant eligibility for incarcerated students and aid eligibility to students with drug convictions.
  6. Removes the requirement for male applicants to register for the Selective Service before age 26.
  7. Restores Pell Grant eligibility for those who didn’t graduate because their school closed down.
  8. Makes the application process easier for former foster children or students experiencing homelessness.

As I stated in a blog last year on this topic, we don’t know how the College Board will react to these changes pertaining to the CSS Profile. We will continue to update you as we get closer to Oct 1.

College Aid Consulting Services is full-service FAFSA Preparers with a mission to maximize your financial aid with 32 years of experience. You are invited to take advantage of our FREE FAFSA/CSS Review. Just contact us for more information or learn more about our services.

High School Families Should Start Planning Scholarships Now

college scholarships for high school juniors

High school families should start planning for 2023 and 2024 scholarships now.  Juniors should start applying for outside scholarships immediately.  We know many students don’t even think about applying for these scholarships until they are into their senior year.  Big mistake!  For many of these sources of financial aid, the deadline will expire at that point.  College bound families should start planning campus visits as time permits.

It is important to know that families should never cross off expensive colleges on their list because of the “price tag”.  These colleges have more good money to tap into which will result in a lower your EFC or expected family contribution.  Know what financial aid forms are required at the colleges the student is applying to.  Families can start submitting the CSS Profile and FAFSA as of this October 1st.

Parents, start having a discussion now with your sophomore students and your high school guidance counselor regarding your future education. Planning ahead will make a big positive difference.

If you would like more information and advice from a professional fafsa preparer and experienced financial aid advisor, please contact our office.

FAFSA / CSS Profile Deadlines 2022-2023

FAFSA / CSS Profile Deadlines 2022-2023

Update on FAFSA / CSS Profile Deadlines 2022-2023. As of October 1st, families can submit their FAFSA’s and the CSS Profile for the 2022-23 academic year. The earliest deadline that some families are not aware of is November 1st. If the student is pursuing early decision (which I do not recommend for most students), many colleges will require the families to submit the form(s) by the November date.

Regarding early action or regular decision, the deadlines are in 2022 starting in January. In addition, many families are told they need to submit their forms on October 1st or ASAP in October. This is not good advice for many. If you would like to know more, and why Early Decision is not good, and how the CSS profile is different compared to FAFSA, and why it is not user-friendly to obtain financial aid, please contact our office for a complimentary review. We can help you with the FAFSA / CSS Profile Deadlines 2022-2023.

8 Things To Know About Federal Work-Study

The U.S. Department of Education published the 8 Things To Know About Federal Work-Study. We have not seen a better resource for parents and students on the subject. If you’re looking for another way to help pay for college in addition to financial aid, grants, loans, 529 plans and/or savings a work-study may be a great option for you.

Work-study is a way for students to earn money to pay for school through part-time on- (and sometimes off-) campus jobs. The program gives students an opportunity to gain valuable work experience while pursuing a college degree. However, not every school participates in the Federal Work-Study Program. Schools that do participate have a limited amount of funds they can award to eligible students.

  1. Being awarded Federal Work-Study does not guarantee you a job.

    Accepting the Federal Work-Study funds you’re offered is just the first step. In order to receive those funds, you need to earn them, which means you need to start by finding a work-study job.

    Some schools may match students to jobs, but most schools require the student to find, apply for, and interview for positions on their own, just like any other job. Either way, students who are interested in work-study or who have already been awarded work-study should contact the financial aid office at their school to find out whether positions are available, how to apply and how the process works at their school.
  1. Not all work-study jobs are on campus.

    The availability of work-study positions includes community service options with non-profit employers, which means some work-study jobs are available for off-campus work. (An example: reading to or tutoring children at local elementary schools.) If you are curious about securing a community service work-study position, contact the financial aid office or the career center on campus.
  1. Work-study funds are not applied directly to your tuition.

    Unlike other types of financial aid, work-study earnings are not applied directly to your tuition and fees. Students who are awarded work-study receive the funds in a paycheck as they earn them, based on hours worked, just like a normal job. These earnings are meant to help with the day-to-day expenses that students have and are not meant to cover large costs like tuition and housing.
  1. Work-study jobs may be limited.

    You may still be able to work on campus without work-study if your school does not have enough work-study funds or positions to cover all on-campus student employees. Many campuses offer jobs for students with or without work-study. Check with the student employment office on your campus to find out what is available.
  1. Federal Work-Study is not guaranteed from year to year.

    There are several factors that can determine whether or not you receive work-study from year to year. These include your family income or financial need, whether you used the work-study funds that were offered to you in a prior year, and/or how much work-study funding your school receives that year.

    Contact your school for specific awarding criteria if you are interested in work-study. Typically, students who file the FAFSA form early and answer that they are interested in Federal Work-Study will have a better chance of being awarded funds from the program.
  1. Pay may vary.

    Work-study jobs vary in qualifications and responsibilities, so the pay will depend on the job that you are hired to do. Pay may also depend on your school’s policies and/or the minimum wage requirements in the state.
  1. Hours worked may vary.

    How many hours you work each week will depend on the type of job you get and your employer’s expectations. Most employment positions for students, however, will work around your class schedule and only require between 10 and 20 hours per week, but again—that can vary!
  1. Work-study earnings are removed from your FAFSA calculation.

    One of the benefits of earning income through a Federal Work-Study position is that those earnings do not count against you when you complete the FAFSA form. There’s a question on the FAFSA form that asks how much was earned through work-study during a particular tax year; make sure to answer that question accurately so the amount can be factored out. If you do not know how much you earned, you can contact the financial aid office at your school for help.

If you believe you should receive more financial aid or have not started apply and looking for an experienced resource to maximize your offer and minimize your time contact our office today for a complimentary consultation on how we can help.

College Scholarship Scams Offering Free Money

We want to remind anyone searching Google for of all the college scholarship scams offering free money. Better Business Bureaus around the U.S. receive numerous reports of scholarship scams every year.

Unsolicited Offers

It is extremely rare that a college student is awarded a scholarship that was never applied for… How many people do you know that have won the Publishers Clearning House Sweepstakes? If you are directly contacted by an organization offering financial assistance, be sure to ask 1) How the organization got your name. 2) Write down their company name, address and phone number. 3) Independently verify their claim with a secondary source.

Application Fee

I have been stating this for years; never pay to apply for scholarships. Some companies may claim that they can make you eligible to get aid for a processing fee. What they are really doing is filling out a free application on your behalf and will often falsify your information to ensure you receive funds.

Scholarship Services & Fees

Another devious claim that some of these organizations make is that for a fee, they will guarantee you free scholarship money. They also claim if you are not satisfied with their services, they will refund your payment. When the student applies using a scholarship sources provided and receives no money and contacts the company for a refund, their response is by a question; did you apply to all of the sources we provided? The answer is always no. No student can’t apply to hundreds of scholarship sources in such a short timeline. This gives the company a reason to decline a refund.

Personal Information

Make sure to thoroughly research any company that requires personal information, including address, bank account information, or social security number. While this should feel standard for scholarship applications, this is the exact reason that criminals target people looking for college financial aid and scholarships.

Speaking of time and applying for outside scholarships, always start the process in the student’s junior year in high school.  If you don’t, you will miss many deadlines.

If you would like help vetting any college scholarship scams offering free money or ore information on scholarships and how to get more free money for college, please contact our office.

Find Financial Aid For College, Even During The Pandemic

We know it’s possible to find financial aid for college, even during a pandemic. COVID-19 Virus has ripped off students of many of the experiences that make going to college so gratifying.

For high school juniors and seniors, that includes the kinds of events that provide a feel for what the colleges they are considering are really like. Campus tours, weekend-long visits and face-to-face conversations with counselors have all largely been thrown out in favor of safer virtual offerings. While this may be a necessary precaution, it makes it more difficult for students to determine whether they will be able to find their place and community at college.

Research shows that a sense of belonging is directly attached to student well-being, academic success and retention. However, even before the pandemic, first-generation students and students of color reported feeling less of a sense of belonging at four-year institutions than students who enjoy greater representation on campus. With the pandemic disrupting many traditional paths for exploring college options and finding this sense of belonging, these students are now more susceptible to delaying college or changing plans entirely.

You should not wait for the perfect school to come to you. As you begin your college search, you should determine what your interests and needs are, both academically and emotionally, and start doing research to find schools that correlate with them. Go beyond colleges’ brochures and explore their websites, student newspapers and social media. You can easily get a sense of a school’s size, academic programs and other important information through some online research.

You should also be proactive in seeking out help, whether that’s from your high school counselor, a trusted teacher, or some other kind of academic mentor.

Also it’s essential to make a list. Began with a basic listing of institutions you are interested in. Seek out an adviser to help you ensure that your list is balanced, with a mix of schools that matched your interests while having varying acceptance rates. Many students should aim high while including some great schools that were just a little easier to get into. The list should evolve into a series of spreadsheets that will keep track of campus activities, coronavirus-related closures and costs. A spreadsheet is key and will help make sense of the confusing financial aid process and could easily compare tuition, cost of attendance and financial aid offers.

Another good piece of advice to students is to reach out to second or third-year students at the college(s) you are interested in. In regards to campus visits, they will give you a real sense of whether the school would be a good fit for you during and after the pandemic.

Talking to students will help you focus in on the school that would ultimately be a good choice. If you would like help with financial aid please contact our office for a complimentary consultation on how we can lower your out of pocket cost.

FAFSA Changes For 2023-2024 Academic Year

FAFSA Changes For 2023-2024 Academic Year

FAFSA Changes For 2023-2024 Academic Year is coming. A new, shorter version of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is aimed at encouraging more families to complete it and qualify for financial aid. However, the tweaks to the formula could reduce aid for some families, especially for more wealthy ones with more than one child in college.

The large legislation passed in a hurry by Congress in late December included changes aimed at simplifying the form. A main gateway to grants, loans, and other financial help for higher education, the FAFSA uses details of parent and student finances to compute eligibility for need-based financial aid. But in recent months, fewer students especially those from low-income families have submitted the complex form for the 2021-22 academic year, meaning they are less likely to get aid and attend college.

In an effort to make the form less daunting, legislators trimmed it to two pages with three dozen questions, from eight pages and more than 100 questions.

Student aid advocates cheered the renaming of the form’s fearful “Expected Family Contribution” to the supposedly less confusing “Student Aid Index,” as a guideline for the level of assistance a student might receive. The lower the index amount, the less you are asked to pay and the more aid you qualify for.

But while the form is leaner, the calculations behind it remains complex. The revised formula still considers overall family size in computing potential aid and, among other changes, increases the income sheltered from the calculations. But it no longer offers a break for having multiple students in college at the same time.

The result? A slight increase in aid eligibility for lower-income families with multiple siblings in college, and a significant drop in eligibility for middle and upper-income families with two or more students on campus.

The change won’t occur for nearly two years, but has already prompted some opposition. Some financial aid consultants has started an online petition to repeal the change.

To illustrate the general impact of the change, here is an example featuring a hypothetical family of four, with two working parents and twins. The parents’ annual income is $100,000, and they have assets of $50,000, while their two children had income of $3,000 and assets of $7,500.

Under the old formula that is still in effect, the family’s “income protection allowance”, the amount of income shielded from the aid calculation, taken from a table published by the Department of Education that factors in the number of children in college is $26,570. Then, federal, state and employment taxes are deducted, as are employment expenses, eventually boiling down to a parent contribution of just under $14,000. That amount is then divided by the number of children in college in this case two which cuts the contribution to about $7,000 for each child.

Regarding the “other” form (the CSS Profile) that many private colleges require, it is unclear if the College Board will follow in the footsteps of the FAFSA changes.

If you would like more information on FAFSA Changes For 2023-2024 and/or the CSS Profile and how to properly file the forms, please contact our staff.

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