FAFSA confusion: Do summer classes require completing 2023-24 FAFSA when we already did 2024-25?

Yes, this is correct but don't panic! Summer terms are tricky because they can fall under either aid year depending on your school's academic calendar. Most colleges treat Summer 2024 as part of the 2023-2024 academic year, which means you would need that year's FAFSA for summer aid. The 2024-2025 FAFSA you completed would typically cover Fall 2024 through Spring 2025.

went thru this with my daughter last yr. yep summer usually needs the PRIOR yr fafsa. its stupid but thats how they do it. goodluck with the old fafsa its way different than the new 1

Summer sessions are considered a "trailer" at most schools, meaning they're the last term of the academic year. So Summer 2024 would indeed require the 2023-2024 FAFSA at most institutions. However, some schools treat summer as a "leader" (first term of the next year), in which case your 2024-2025 FAFSA would cover it. You absolutely need to confirm with your specific financial aid office which approach they use. The good news is that the 2023-2024 FAFSA is still available to complete until June 30, 2024. If you need to file it, do so ASAP as processing typically takes 3-7 days for the SAI calculation, and then the school needs time to package the aid.

First-time caller here! Literally spent EIGHT HOURS on hold with my daughter's financial aid office last week about this exact issue. Such a frustrating experience!!! I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to finally get through to a real FSA agent who confirmed that yes, Summer 2024 requires the 2023-2024 FAFSA at most schools. They have a video demo if you're interested: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ - saved me so much stress just to get actual answers from a human being.

Omg I remebr going thru this stress!!! My daughter wanted 2 take summer classes too and we had no idea abt the diff FAFSA years! So annoying how they make this stuff so complicated AMIRITE????

A few important things to know if you need to complete the 2023-2024 FAFSA now: 1. It's the old FAFSA system, not the new FAFSA Simplification Act version you used for 2024-2025 2. You'll need 2021 tax information (not 2022 like the new form) 3. The CSS Profile deadline (if your school requires it) may have already passed 4. Pell Grant eligibility works differently on the old form 5. Process it ASAP as many summer aid funds are first-come, first-served You may also want to ask if your school offers any payment plans for summer if aid doesn't come through in time.

I went through this last month with my son. Called the financial aid office and they told me the 2023-24 FAFSA was required for his summer classes. I freaked out because I thought we'd missed the deadline, but they assured me it's still possible to complete it for summer sessions. I actually found it easier than the new nightmare FAFSA we all struggled with this year! The processing was much faster too - about 3 days vs the weeks the new system is taking.

Update: I finally got through to my son's financial aid office! They confirmed Summer 2024 does require the 2023-2024 FAFSA at their school. The advisor said even though it's late, we should still submit it ASAP as he might qualify for some grants or loans. They also mentioned a special summer payment plan that might help spread out costs if aid is limited. Going to tackle the old FAFSA tonight - wish me luck!