FAFSA Simplification
FAFSA Simplification is the first major redesign of the Free Application of Federal Student Aid process in 40 years. Our goal in the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships is to make sure we are here to support you and your family by making this a seamless process.
This significant overhaul will take effect for the 2024-25 award year, making it easier for students and families to complete and submit the FAFSA form. It also expands access to federal aid which will mean more students will now be eligible for the Federal Pell Grant. You can learn more about the FAFSA Simplification Act on the studentaid.gov website.
What to expect once you've completed the FAFSA?
Even though the FAFSA should open December 31st, OSU-OKC’s Office of Financial Aid and Scholarship won't receive your information until February at the earliest.
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You will receive a confirmation email from Federal Student Aid after filing the FAFSA.
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If you need to make corrections to the FAFSA, you will not be able to do so until late January or February at the earliest.
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Sometimes, when students file the FAFSA, our office will request additional information, such as tax documents or specific forms. We cannot start requesting this information until February at the earliest but will assist you in any way we can so your financial aid can process timely once we receive your FAFSA.
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You filed the FAFSA to determine what you are eligible for in federal aid. Students should expect to see the first round of award notifications going out in April.
All of this to say — keep an eye on your school email and your financial aid portal at my.okstate.edu. We will send you information regarding your FAFSA as soon as possible. A big thanks for being so patient with the FAFSA delay this year!
What does it mean for me?
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The FAFSA usually opens for the next academic year on Oct. 1. Due to the changes, it will be available by Dec. 31. The Department of Education is considering this a soft launch, so please be patient with the website when you complete your FAFSA.
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We have been told this date change is only for the 2024-2025 FAFSA and will go back to Oct. 1 for 2025-26 and beyond. Students will notice fewer questions on the application and an easier way to transfer tax information directly from the IRS.
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Another change students and families will notice is the replacement of the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) with the Student Aid Index (SAI) and how your level of financial need is calculated.
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Students and families will now be required to report the value of the family farm and/or business.
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Students will notice a change in terminology for parents and student spouse. They will now be called “contributors”, and each contributor will need to consent to their information being included on the FAFSA. This will also mean that all contributors will need to create an FSA ID if they have not done so already.
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Students will be walked through a process that will help determine who is considered their parents/contributors.
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FSA ID
While you wait for the 2024-25 FAFSA to be released and if you haven't filed the FAFSA in the past, you can apply for your FSA ID now.
The FSA ID consists of a username and password you create to gain access to the U.S. Department of Education's online systems. It serves as your legal signature when completing the FAFSA.
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Go to the Federal Student Aid website to start the FSA ID Process.
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Everyone contributing (parent/stepparent or spouse) to the FAFSA form online must have their own account on the Federal Student Aid (FSA) website. Each contributor, including the student, will access their account with their own FSA ID (account username and password).
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Parents/contributors who do not have a social security number will not be able to register for an FSA ID until after the 2024-25 FAFSA is released.