Complete Your FAFSA
The FAFSA has changed – Find out What You Need to Know
Through the FAFSA Simplification Act, the US Department of Education is revamping the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form.
Some of the changes, required by law, include the following:
Quicker, Simplified Application Process
- The application is shorter and therefore takes less time.
- Federal tax information will be transferred directly from IRS and can no longer be added manually.
- Applicants can now select up to 20 colleges/universities to share their FAFSA.
New Terminology
- The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) will be replaced with the Student Aid Index (SAI).
- The Student Aid Index (SAI) is calculated using information provided on the FAFSA form. This number determines the amount of federal student aid the student can receive.
Modified Family/Household Considerations
- The number of students a family has enrolled in college will no longer factor into the FAFSA calculation.
- In cases where parents are divorced or separated, the parent who provided the most financial support in the last calendar year will now complete the FAFSA.
- A student’s spouse or stepparent will need to be listed on the FAFSA as a contributor.
Maryland Residents
The State has an extensive array of financial aid programs in the form of grants, scholarships and other awards. Students are encouraged to submit the FAFSA by May 15, 2025 to be considered for state aid.
Additional information regarding specific programs and applications can be found at www.mhec.maryland.gov.
DC Residents
To apply for DCTAG residents must use the DC OneApp. The DC OneApp is the online application college-bound District residents use to apply for funding from the District of Columbia’s Tuition Assistance Grant.
Additional information can be found at osse.dc.gov.
Questions?
Contact the Office of Financial Aid at financialaid@bowiestate.edu.