FAFSA Updates
Overview
Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is one of the most important steps students can take to keep their education affordable. All students should complete the FAFSA to qualify for certain federal, state, and institutional funds.
For students enrolling in Summer terms at Sante Fe College, the great news is that the current year FAFSA applies. Students planning to enroll in Fall 2024 and beyond, the information below relates to the 2024-2025 FAFSA. Both applications are available now at StudentAid.gov.
Changes and Benefits
The "Better FAFSA" is the largest overhaul of federal financial aid since it began. These significant changes are summarized in the video below.
The "Better FAFSA" is a huge win for students and families. Benefits of the FAFSA changes include:
- More Aid Available: More students will qualify for Pell Grants, and many will qualify for higher amounts.
- Quicker FAFSA: Fewer questions to answer, making it faster to apply.
- Automatic Tax Info: tax data is filled in directly from the IRS (with consent), saving time.
- Simpler Process: Fewer students will need to go through the extra step of FAFSA verification.
- Clearer Costs: The new Student Aid Index (SAI), replacing the old Expected Family Contribution (EFC), gives a better idea of what students can afford.
Challenges and Help
Most students have been able to successfully submit their FAFSA. Millions of applications have been received by the federal government.
However, some students have faced technical challenges with the form. Many of the
most common issues have been resolved. The Federal Department of Education is actively
working to address the remaining issues.
To address technical issues with the FAFSA or FSA ID, contact the Federal Student
Aid Help Center at 1-800-433-3243.
The Federal Department of Education has stated that the ability to correct a FAFSA is now "generally available."
For instructions to access the FAFSA and make the most common corrections visit the "How To Correct or Update Your FAFSA® Form" article provided by Federal Student Aid.
Resources to help with completing the FAFSA can be found on the Department of Education's "Filling out the FAFSA" page. The Santa Fe College Financial Aid Office is available to assist students with completing the FAFSA.
To address technical issues with the FAFSA or FSA ID, contact the Federal Student Aid Help Center at 1-800-433-3243.
Communication
The Financial Aid Office expects to release details about Fall 2024 financial aid by June 3rd. Students will receive an email and a text message notification (if they have opted in for text communications) as soon as this information is available. This will include the student's financial aid offer or any necessary actions they may need to take if they are selected by the federal government for verification or need to document their eligibility.
Students must respond promptly to any requests for information or documents from the Financial Aid Office. This is important to secure their financial aid before the fee due date on August 5th.
Students will receive an email and a text message notification (if they have opted in for text communications) as soon as this information is available.
The Financial Aid Office is excited to launch a new financial aid portal to improve the student experience and simplify the process. Once a student is notified their financial aid information is available, they will access the portal under the "Finances" menu in eSantaFe.
For those enrolling in Summer 2024, financial aid information will continue to be available through My FA Status in eSantaFe, using the 2023-2024 FAFSA for eligibility and aid determination.
Course Registration
The Santa Fe College community is committed to ensuring a smooth Fall enrollment process. Students are advised to closely monitor their official SF email for any updates regarding financial aid and to act swiftly on any required steps to secure their financial aid for the Fall semester.
Fees for Fall are not due until August 5th. Students that have already registered for Fall classes will not be impacted by the later processing of financial aid.
Fees for Fall are not due until August 5th. Students that have already registered for Fall classes will not be impacted by the later processing of financial aid.
Students are advised to closely monitor their official SF email for any updates regarding financial aid and to act swiftly on any required steps to secure their financial aid for the Fall semester.