Tag: FAFSA Updates

New 2024-25 FAFSA Form Now Available

Georgia Tech students can now complete the new FAFSA form, which launched on Dec. 31.

Editor’s Note Jan. 23, 2024: The priority aid deadline for the 2024-25 FAFSA has been extended to Feb. 15, 2024. This applies only to the 2024-25 FAFSA. The deadline for the GT App and CSS profile (for first-year students only) remains Jan. 31, 2024. Students should complete the FAFSA as soon as possible.

The new 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available now and should be completed before Georgia Tech’s priority deadline of Jan. 31 to maximize financial aid opportunities. The application can be found here.

The new FAFSA made changes to the application in accordance with the FAFSA Simplification Act and launched on Dec. 31, 2023. Though users may have experienced some initial issues with the application functionality and availability, the form is now fully accessible for families to complete.  

“The new FAFSA is designed to be more user-friendly through a shorter application with less manual data entry, ultimately aiming to ease the process for students and families navigating this challenging time,” said Paul Kohn, vice provost for Enrollment Management at Georgia Tech. “Unfortunately, the changes to the form and timeline have undeniably posed challenges for the financial aid application process. We understand the stress it is causing for prospective and current students and their families.” 

In addition to completing FAFSA, students should also complete the Georgia Tech Application for Scholarships and Financial Aid (GT App) annually. The GT App opens Oct. 1 each year and only takes a few minutes to complete. 

By filling out the GT App, students can access follow-up forms to be considered for institutional scholarships and other types of aid. They’ll also get reminders of any upcoming deadlines for the aid they want to apply to receive. 

Next steps after filing the FAFSA.

Though the FAFSA released later than the typical October launch date, the priority deadline to apply for financial aid at Georgia Tech remains Jan. 31. Families should plan to complete the FAFSA as soon as they can to accommodate the shortened timeline. 

“While we are not changing our deadlines at this time, we will keep a close eye on what our students need to make an informed decision about a future at Tech,” said Kohn. “Students and families should complete the application process as soon as they can and be patient as financial aid professionals do all they can to award aid packages as soon as possible.” 

The sooner Georgia Tech receives a student’s financial information, the sooner they can prepare for the financial needs of the student body. 

Announcements and resources to understand the changes being made to the FAFSA can be found here. Contact the financial aid office with any questions. Below, view a recording of a webinar walkthrough of the new FAFSA.

Changes to 2024 FAFSA Mean Applying Early is More Important Now than Ever

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid — commonly known as FAFSA — has undergone significant changes and will be released in December 2023, two months later than in years past. To maximize their opportunity to secure need-based aid, students should start their financial aid process as soon as possible by completing the GT Application for Scholarships and Financial Aid, which is available now.

The new 2024-2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is normally released in October each year, will be released in December 2023 to accommodate the changes made to the application in accordance with the FAFSA Simplification Act. In order to maximize opportunities for financial aid, students should plan ahead by completing the Georgia Tech Application for Scholarships and Financial Aid (GT App). The GT App launched October 1 and only takes a few minutes to complete.

“Even though the FAFSA is delayed, it can be extremely helpful for both students and the financial aid office to fill out the GT App now,” explained Jennifer Mullins, associate director of special projects in the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid. “That information helps us identify which students need what kinds of aid, which helps us get the appropriate forms and information to those who need it.”

By filling out the GT App, students will be able to access follow-up forms to be considered for institutional scholarships and other types of aid. They’ll also get reminders of any upcoming deadlines for the aid they want to apply to receive.

The priority deadline to apply for financial aid at Georgia Tech remains January 31. Students are advised to complete their FAFSA as soon as the new form is released to accommodate the shortened timeline.

“Even though the FAFSA will be delayed this year, we still need to get everyone’s aid packages out in the appropriate time frame,” said Mullins. “In order for everyone to be informed of their financial options, it is key that students prepare for the changes and get a head start.”

The sooner Georgia Tech receives a student’s financial information, the sooner they can prepare for the financial needs of the student body.

Though the FAFSA changes may bring an additional layer of complexity this year, Mullins noted that it is important to keep in mind the ultimate goal of the FAFSA Simplification Act:  simplifying the financial aid application process for students and their families.

“Students and parents can hopefully expect to have an easier time navigating the FAFSA this year than before,” said Mullins. “Especially if they get all their materials together ahead of time and fill out the GT App early.”

Announcements and resources to understand the changes being made to the FAFSA can be found here. Review the steps for current students to apply for financial aid for the 2024-25 cycle here, and for incoming students here. Contact the financial aid office with any questions.