FASFA Changes

2024 FAFSA Simplification Act

Big changes are coming to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2024-25 financial aid cycle! These changes will directly impact the financial aid application process for Georgia Tech students.

The financial aid application process for 2024-25 begins in October 2023 with the opening of the GT Application for Scholarships and Financial Aid (GT App). However, unlike in previous years, this year the FAFSA will not be available until December 2023.

The priority deadline to apply for financial aid is January 31, 2024. Now more than ever, it’s critical that students start the financial aid application process as early as possible.

What is Changing?

The FAFSA form, need analysis, and many policies and procedures will change with the launch of the revised form. Changes include:

In the past, federal financial need was calculated by subtracting the expected family contribution (EFC) from the school’s cost of attendance. Moving forward, need will be calculated by subtracting the student aid index (SAI) from cost.

Financial Aid Diagram

As part of the FAFSA Simplification Act families no longer receive a “discount” for having more than one child in college at the same time. In years past, the federal government took the total Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) and divided it by the number of children you have in college but with the Student Aid Index (SAI) this no longer applies.

Families making less than 175% and single parents making less than 225% of the federal poverty level will see their students receive a maximum Federal Pell Grant award. award. Minimum Pell Grants will be guaranteed to students from households below 275%, 325%, 350%, or 400% of the poverty level, depending on household structure. Pell awards between the maximum and minimum amounts will be determined by SAI.

The FAFSA will reduce the maximum number of questions from 108 to 46. And because the FAFSA on the Web is dynamic, some students won't even be presented with all 46 questions.

Learn more about these changes by visiting the FAFSA Simplification Act website.

Visit FAFSA Website

How Can You Prepare?

The Georgia Tech priority deadline for financial aid consideration is January 31. We encourage all Tech students to start their aid applications early. Here are other recommended tips to help you and your family prepare.

  • Complete the 2024-25 GT Application for Scholarships and Financial Aid (GT App) starting in October 2023.

  • Prospective first-year students only: Complete the CSS PROFILE starting in October 2023.

  • Complete the 2024-25 FAFSA when it becomes available in December.

  • The data exchange is required, and it will make your application process easier, faster, and more accurate.

  • Confirm that your and your family’s 2022 tax returns were filed, and copies can be accessed.

Set Up IRS Data Exchange

Students and families may see a different measure of their calculated ability to pay for college, based on the change in the methodology used to determine Federal need and Pell Grant eligibility. The new need analysis formula removes the number of family members in college from the calculation, allows a minimum SAI of -1500, and implements separate eligibility criteria for Federal Pell Grants.

Georgia Students Applying for HOPE/Zell Miller Only

If you are a Georgia resident who is only applying for the HOPE or Zell Miller Scholarship, the financial aid application process will not change. To be considered for only HOPE and/or Zell, you must complete the GT App and the Georgia Student Financial Aid Application (GSFAPPS) aid application. The FAFSA is not required.

Submit the GSFAPPS

Submit the GT App

Graduation Picture