4 Things You Should Know About the New FAFSA Process
Source: Reference.com
The process for submitting your FAFSA has been modified for the upcoming 2017-2018 school year. Here are four important changes to be aware of:
1. The new availability date is October 1st, so it’s been open for a few weeks already for the 2017-2018 year.
2. Priority filing date is now January 6th, 2017. This falls during winter break, so it may be best to get it done ahead of time.
3. Your FAFSA application will be based on tax information from the past two years. So when filling out the 2017-2018 FAFSA, your 2015 tax information will be used.
4. Initial award offers will be sent out in mid-February, about 6 weeks earlier than previous years.
Although the earlier due dates may stir up some feelings of anxiety, the good news is that the process is quicker than ever. You can log in to their website here with your FSA ID and your information from last year’s application should be automatically loaded up for your 2017-2018 FAFSA. Because the taxes for the previous two years will be used for the application, there isn’t much new information you will have to input.
Most students qualify for some form of financial aid, so everyone is encouraged to apply! You never know how much aid you can get, and there are many factors beyond parental income and GPA that go into the determination of how much assistance you can receive.
Still unsure about the new FAFSA? Check out this Adam Ruins Everything video to learn more:
If you have questions on the new process, you can chat online here with a member of UNM’s support team. You can also visit the Financial Aid Office in Mesa Vista Hall or reach them at (505) 277-8900.
