FAFSA Application Deadline: There have been problems with the start of the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which has caused families and students across the country to wait longer and feel more stressed.
Because of these problems, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill on March 25 that makes the deadline for California students to file their FAFSA May 2, 2024.
Students must fill out and send in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the due date every school year to be qualified for grants, loans, and work-study jobs.
You should be aware of earlier state and college deadlines, even though the FAFSA for 2024–25 can be turned in as late as June 2025.
2024–25 FAFSA Opening and Deadline
The FAFSA for the 2024–25 academic year expires on June 30, 2025, having opened in December of 2023. Applying for financial help for the 2023–2024 academic year is still possible until June 30, 2024.
Students hoping to attend a four-year institution in California can now apply by May 2 and still be qualified for state financial help, such as the Middle-Class Scholarship and the CalGrant.
Students will find much-needed comfort from the extension in the middle of the widespread rollout problems. Months later than usual, on March 10, federal officials started sending out students’ FAFSA data to institutions because of a form error that neglected to take into account recent economic inflation. Colleges now have less time to determine how much financial aid students will receive.
Students must fill in the FAFSA form to be eligible for federal student aid as well as state and college grants, scholarships, and loans. However, while some help is restricted, it is imperative to meet deadlines.
When is the FAFSA due for fall 2024?
The Federal FAFSA deadline for the 2024–25 school year is June 30, 2025; any adjustments or corrections must be received by September 14, 2025.
Students should confirm with their individual colleges and career/trade schools, as each may have its own deadline.
“Verify with the school you’re considering attending,” states the official government website.
“You could also like to inquire as to how the school defines an application deadline. The deadline can be, for instance, the day your FAFSA form is processed or the day the school gets your processed FAFSA data.”
Every state has a different deadline as well, so for the most recent information, students should go to the website of their state higher education agency.
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Why Submit Your FAFSA Early
The earlier you file the FAFSA, the better your chances of being selected for financial aid, which is given out first come, first served.
If you file too late, for example, work-study program money could run out. If you file the FAFSA as soon as possible, you’re also more likely to fulfil deadlines from your state or college.
School Deadlines Past the FAFSA Deadlines
Deadlines for individual grants and scholarships are equally significant as the FAFSA due for the institution. According to Forbes, university grants may be given out first come, first served, meaning that applicants who meet the requirements will have the best chance of being accepted if they apply as soon as possible. Letters awarding financial aid may also be sent out by each institution on separate dates.
As you reduce your selection of universities, find out from the financial aid offices of your top choices when the application deadlines and opening dates relate to your particular financial and academic circumstances. Schools you apply to could require more applications for particular grants and scholarships than the FAFSA.
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