Due to significant changes to the 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, the launch date has been pushed from Oct. 1 until sometime in December.
The launch date for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) has been delayed from Oct. 1 until sometime in December 2023.
The overhaul is expected to make applying for federal financial aid easier for students and their families. More information about updates to the FAFSA form can be found here: StudentAid.gov/decemberfafsa.
The office of Federal Student Aid offers billions of dollars in grants, work-study and loans each year to help students pay for college.
Students are strongly encouraged to submit the FAFSA each year that they attend college to be considered for the maximum amount of aid available to help pay for college. NIU uses the FAFSA to determine eligibility for most financial aid programs and some scholarships.
Because some funds are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, students are more likely to receive assistance if eligible by submitting the FAFSA as soon as possible, this year beginning in December.
NIU’s Financial Aid and Scholarship Office continues to monitor the application launch delay and will share timely information as it becomes available. Students are encouraged to monitor their NIU email for updates. Updates also will be provided when available on the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office website.
According to the office of Federal Student Aid, changes to the FAFSA for the 2024–25 aid year include expanded eligibility for federal student aid and a more streamlined application process. Specific changes relevant to faculty and staff will be discussed during upcoming virtual sessions with Financial Aid staff.
Also delayed, the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid is expected to become available in December or early January. This application provides funding for undocumented students not eligible for federal aid. Students eligible for the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid can receive guidance through the Undocumented Student Resource Center.
The new FAFSA launch date will apply only for the 2024-25 FAFSA form. Students enrolling in the spring 2024 semester are encouraged to have a 2023-2024 FASA filed and NIU’s School code of 001737 listed to be awarded aid in November if eligible.
