There are some big changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application for the 2024-2025 aid year!
The FAFSA Simplification Act was passed by Congress in 2020 and represents a significant overhaul of the processes and systems used to award federal student aid. This includes the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, the need analysis that determines federal aid eligibility, changes in terminology, and many policies and procedures for schools that participate in federal student aid programs.
Below is a running list of updates from UCM and the Department of Education over FAFSA changes and timelines for when students can expect to hear more information about their award offers. Bookmark this page for updates, and continuously check the Department of Education's website for updated information on the FAFSA.
Estimated Date for UCM to package Financial Aid Awards: April 17, 2024
Date this page last edited: 4/15/2024
The Department of Education launched the new FAFSA on 12/31/2023 as a "soft-launch" meaning the FAFSA is open, but for short periods of time with they monitor traffic and submissions to catch any bugs from the new process. As of 1/10/2024 the FAFSA is open 24/7 and no longer open for windows, unless unexpected maintenance is necessary.
Normally, the FAFSA opens for students on October 1 each year. With the FAFSA opening later, UCM (and other college/universities) will be delayed in getting full financial aid awards to students to later in the spring. Our estimated timeframe for getting awards to students is located at the top of this page, and is updated as more information is available.