The FAFSA is Open....sort of...
January 2024 - College Students
WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT THE 2024-2025 SOFT LAUNCH
The 2024-2025 FAFSA is now open (well...sort of). Most users experienced technical difficulties trying to access and complete the form upon its December 31st “soft launch.” According to FSA, users can expect pauses in the coming weeks in which the form will temporarily be unavailable to allow FSA to make improvements to its site. Due to these pauses, FSA has emphasized that students and contributors can expect some delays when filling out the form during the entire month of January.
There is no rush to complete the FAFSA during this soft launch phase. According to FSA, colleges will not receive any information from the FAFSA until the end of January. Colleges who have an early deadline for the FAFSA may have to move those dates back based on how the soft launch goes. I would not stress over any current deadlines.
As of right now, we still plan to host our FAFSA Completion event on January 23 from 8:30am-6:30pm in the BCHS Library. If we get closer to the date and we see the FASFA is still experiencing long periods of time where it is unavailable, we will let you know. Either way, we will plan to be here that afternoon if anyone needs assistance with their FSA ID! We also have another date planned on February 15 from 8:30am-6:30pm in the BCHS Library. **You are welcome to come to either of these events to get help on your FAFSA!**
In the meantime, please make sure that you can log in with your FSA ID. This must be done at least 3 days before you start filling out the FAFSA. Both Parents/Guardians will also need to create an FSA ID. *You will not be able to contribute information until you have created your FSA ID.
More info below.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE FSA ID
Each student needs to create an FSA ID.
Note: Please use your personal email when applying for the FSA ID - not your school email! Create Your FSA ID. If you attended college in the fall, you will not create a new FSA ID.
Both Parents/Guardians will also need to create an FSA ID. If you already have an FSA ID, it is tied to your SSN. You will not be able to create a new one. Make sure you are able to log in successfully. Create Your FSA ID or Log In with your existing account.
The newly designed FAFSA can be found HERE.
HOW TO CREATE AN FSA ID
In order to access and complete the FAFSA, you will need to create an FSA ID. This ID is used to confirm your identity when accessing federal financial aid information and to sign your FAFSA electronically when you submit it. You are required to create an FSA ID to access, sign, and complete the FAFSA. Dependent students (students who live with their parent(s)/stepparent(s) and rely on them for financial support) will have contributors to their FAFSA application. Contributors will need to create their own FSA IDs to complete their portion of the FAFSA. With this in mind, here's how to create your FSA ID.
WHAT IS THE FAFSA?
You need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form to apply for federal student aid such as federal grants, work-study funds, and loans. Completing and submitting the FAFSA form is free and easier than ever, and it gives you access to the largest source of aid to help you pay for college or career school.