When does 2024-2025 FAFSA open? Official date still unconfirmed?

Last I heard from a reliable source, the 2024-2025 FAFSA is supposed to open December 1st, 2023. But after last year's disaster with the new "simplified" FAFSA launch, I wouldn't be surprised if they push it back again. The Department of Education still hasn't put out an official announcement with the exact date, which is concerning since we're already in November.

its defintely in december but no1 knows exactly when. my brother works in finacial aid office and he said they havnt even been told the exact date yet which is crazy!!

The Federal Student Aid office hasn't announced the official date yet, but historically FAFSA opens October 1st. Last year was an exception with the December opening due to the FAFSA Simplification Act changes. Based on everything I've seen from the Department of Education, they're planning to open applications in "early December" for the 2024-2025 cycle. Here's what we know for certain: 1. It will definitely be in December 2023 2. The new FAFSA form will continue to use the Simplified FAFSA system introduced last year 3. Student Aid Index (SAI) will replace Expected Family Contribution (EFC) 4. The income protection allowance has increased I recommend setting up FSA ID credentials for yourself and parents now if you haven't already, and gathering your 2022 tax information ahead of time. When the form opens, submit as early as possible since many scholarships and institutional aid are first-come, first-served.

I CANNOT BELIEVE they still haven't announced the exact date! This is so typical of the Department of Education. Last year was a complete disaster with the December launch - the site crashed constantly, calculations were wrong, and schools didn't receive data until MARCH in some cases. Some students lost thousands in aid because of these delays!!! And now they're doing the same thing again? Not giving clear information? My daughter is a high school senior and we need to plan around work schedules to sit down and complete this thing. The lack of communication is infuriating.

I just called the Federal Student Aid office yesterday about this exact question! After waiting on hold for over an hour (typical), the agent confirmed the 2024-2025 FAFSA will open in "early December" but wouldn't give an exact date. She said to keep checking studentaid.gov for announcements. By the way, if anyone needs to actually speak with a human at Federal Student Aid without the ridiculous wait times, I recently discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com). They hold your place in line and call you back when an agent is available. Saved me hours of waiting on hold! They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ

Just to give everyone an update - the Department of Education officially announced today that the 2024-2025 FAFSA will be available starting December 1, 2023. They also noted a few important changes: 1. The form will be available in 11 languages 2. More students will qualify for federal student aid due to the new Student Aid Index calculation 3. Families with multiple students in college will see changes to how their financial need is calculated Mark your calendars for December 1st, and I recommend trying to submit in the first week if possible to avoid technical issues that might come from everyone trying to access the system at once.

my brother just texted me and confirmed its def december 1st!! he said theyre expecting another crashed website tho lol so maybe wait a few days after it opens