These challenges resulted in significantly lower FAFSA completion rates, especially among first-generation and low-income students — the groups that often benefit the most from completing their financial aid applications.
Looking ahead to the 2024-2025 cycle, we expect the challenges to continue. Some FAFSA publications indicate a return to the October 1 opening application date, but the fine print indicates that this will only be for a portion of the student population. The vast majority of students will have to wait, many until early December or later.
The full 2025-2026 FAFSA won’t be open to the general public until December.
At Inspired Pathways, we are already working with our college partners on mitigation strategies, just as we did last year. Despite having dozens of students face FAFSA issues within our Class of 2024 scholarship group, we had no one lose their scholarship because of those issues. To ensure that we have the same success rate this year, we encourage all students and parents to prepare early. Below are some steps you can take to move the process forward:
- Create your FSA ID now: The FSA ID (Federal Student Aid Identification) is a username and password that allows students and parents to access U.S. Department of Education websites, including the FAFSA application. It serves as a digital signature and is used to confirm identity when applying for federal student aid. Both the student AND the parent need to create their own, and it can be created at any time.
- Prepare your documentation: More than half of families are able to use the IRS retrieval tool to automatically upload tax information, but many others will have to enter it manually. Get the following documents ready in case you have to enter the information manually: social security number, driver’s license number, federal tax returns from 2023, access to current bank statements.
- Attempt to apply early: Some students will be able to apply on October 1. We suggest checking to see if your application is available as close to that date as possible. If it isn’t, try every other week until you are able to complete your application.
- Keep us in the loop: Let us know if you’re having any trouble with your application. We’ll make sure to note it on your file so you won’t miss out on anything. We’ll provide support if the issue you’re facing can be resolved from the outside, and we’ll work with your college to make sure there is no delay in your education.