2024-25 FAFSA Changes
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the best way to see if you qualify for free financial aid. The FAFSA Simplification Act takes effect for the 2024-25 filing year. RWU FAFSA SCHOOL CODE: 003410
What's changing with the FAFSA application?
Major changes include:
- The 2024-25 FAFSA launched on December 31, 2023
- Expected Family Contribution (EFC) will be replaced with the Student Aid Index (SAI)
- The form is shorter and more straightforward
- Expanded eligibility and reduced barriers for certain populations
- New regulations dictate which parent’s income will be included on the application in families where parents are divorced or separated
Learn more about the changes
Tips for Success
- Priority consideration for Financial Aid is given to students who file their FAFSA between the go-live date (December 31,2023) and February 1, 2024.
- Gather all documentation ahead of time (tax returns for parents for the past two years). See all required documents.
- Send your FAFSA results to all schools of interest. This will give you a clearer picture of all of your options.
- Figure out how much you can afford. Work through this with your parents/guardians, or those you trust. We're here to help you figure out what resources are available to you.
Completed the FAFSA? Congratulations! What’s Next?
- Colleges began receiving students' 2024-2025 FAFSA data from the U.S. Department of Education as of mid-March.
- Students who have already submitted their 2024-2025 FAFSA and need to make corrections will not be able to until mid to late April. Specific timelines will be announced when the U.S. Department of Education provides them. For more information and updates, please visit studentaid.gov.
- Returning Students: We have already processed and sent out aid award packages to returning students who have filed a FAFSA. Please check with your financial aid counselor to see what's missing if you haven't received it yet.
Important Dates
New students who plan to begin classes in Fall 2024 should complete the FAFSA as soon as it becomes available in December 2023. Returning students should complete the FAFSA by March 1.
Financial Aid is reviewed and processed on a weekly, rolling basis, once the FAFSA is live. If a FAFSA is on file at the time of admission, typically students will receive their full financial aid award within seven days of their offer of admission. If a FAFSA is filed after a student has been offered admission, they will receive their full financial aid award within seven days of filing the FAFSA.
Visit our admission page for more information about the application process for undergraduate, transfer, graduate, University College, and law students.