Updates for the 2025-2026 FAFSA
The 2025-2026 FAFSA has been revamped to streamline the application process for students and families. This restructure will allow students and families to connect their application to the IRS for expedient transferring of financial information reducing the need to manually enter information. Additionally, this application will potentially increase Pell Grant eligibility for students who have previously received Pell Grant, and will potentially make students eligible for the Pell grant, that were previously ineligible, due to a new calculation that determines financial need.
The new application has caused issues for some students, and a much simpler experience for others. The Department of Education has been updating the process as new issues arise. We anticipate that it will be a smooth experience, however, we are always available to assist if you need guidance.
Feel free to review our 2025-2026 FAFSA Preparation Guide for a list of all major changes.
You may also view the video playlist to your Frequently Asked Questions about the 2025-2026 FAFSA.
Application and Awarding Timelines
The application is currently available to complete for the 2025-2026 Academic Year. We encourage you to complete the FAFSA by May 1, 2025 to ensure that your aid is processed in a timely manner. However, it will be in your best benefit to complete the application as soon as possible if you have the availability.
Complete the FAFSA Application View the FAFSA Application Instructions
The changes to the FAFSA application have resulted in delays that will affect the timeframe for when you may see your award offer. We anticipate that award offers will be distributed between late February and the middle of April as we wait on additional guidance from the Department of Education and our software vendors. In the meantime, we are developing tools that will help you to plan expenses, and will provide updates to you as they are finalized
What can you do currently?
We highly recommend that you set up time to meet with the Financial Aid Team to discuss what you should expect for the upcoming year. In addition, we encourage you to reach out if you need guidance completing the 2025-2026 FAFSA application.
You may also attend an Eat Pie and Apply FAFSA Night hosted by Financial Wellness. These events will be held in The Nest (ST 178) during the following dates:
- TBD
What should SUU Employees be aware of?
We know that finances are a primary concern for students, and we are working diligently to ensure that we can support the student experience. We have released our 2025-2026 FAFSA Preparation Guide and our FAFSA Simplification Training Video to help our colleagues best prepare for this transition.
If you have specific questions, please feel free to reach out to Jayson Matlock to arrange a discussion or training session.