January 4, 2024

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) had a soft launch in December 2023 for the 2024-2025 post-secondary school year, and prospective college students and their families who need to apply for federal student aid are invited to do so today at https://studentaid.gov/. 

Previously, current and prospective college students and families would go online beginning October 1 to complete the application to apply for federal student aid. The 2024-2025 application has been updated to expand eligibility for federal student aid, including Pell Grants, and provides a streamlined user experience. More than 610,000 new students from low-income backgrounds will be eligible to receive Federal Pell Grants due to updates to student aid calculations. In addition, applicants will be able to skip as many as 26 questions, depending on their individual circumstances. Some applicants could answer as few as 18 questions, which could take less than 10 minutes.

If you need to apply for federal student aid for your prospective college student for the 2024-2025 school year, or to monitor changes and receive up-to-date notification and information, log on to https://studentaid.gov/, and apply as soon as possible after December 31, 2023. Check with the financial aid office at the college or career school you plan to attend. Additional forms may be required. Visit GAfutures.org for additional information. 

You can also stay informed by following Federal Student Aid on social media for resources and announcements.

• Twitter
• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube (Informational Videos)
• YouTube (Educational Webinars)

If you need support or have any questions, please contact your student’s high school counselor and/or Ms. Veronica Johnson, CCSD Director of School Counseling, at johnsonv@clarke.k12.ga.us.