Which FAFSA should I complete for classes starting next week - 2024-2025 or 2025-2026?

You need to complete the 2024-2025 FAFSA. The FAFSA award years run from July 1 to June 30, so any classes starting between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025 would use the 2024-2025 FAFSA. The 2025-2026 FAFSA would only be for classes starting after July 1, 2025.

i think your kinda late tbh... when i applied last semester it took like 3 weeks to get my SAI score and then another week for the school to process it. but u should def still apply!! some aid might still come thru eventually

Here's what you need to know: definitely file the 2024-2025 FAFSA immediately. Even though you're cutting it close, federal aid can sometimes be applied retroactively within the same award year. Your institution might have emergency processing options for late applicants. After submitting your FAFSA, I'd recommend doing three things: 1. Email your financial aid office explaining your situation (even though they're closed, this timestamps your outreach) 2. Prepare to potentially pay your initial tuition and then get reimbursed once aid is processed 3. Ask about any institutional emergency aid programs that might have faster processing times You can also follow up with your school about payment plan options while you wait for aid to process. Many schools will work with you if you've submitted your FAFSA and are just waiting for processing.

The federal system is SO SLOW right now!!! I submitted my FAFSA back in December and I'm STILL waiting for my SAI score. The new system is a total disaster if you ask me. When I called, they just said "please be patient" which doesn't help when tuition is due!!!!

I had to call the Federal Student Aid office about my delayed FAFSA processing last week, and after trying for days and getting nowhere, I finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an actual human in about 20 minutes instead of waiting on hold for hours. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ The FSA agent I spoke with was able to tell me exactly what was holding up my application and helped me fix the issue on the spot. You might want to try that after you submit your FAFSA if you need to check on the status or have questions about expediting the process.

To answer your question about processing times - it varies widely right now. Some students are getting their Student Aid Index (SAI) calculations in a few days, while others are waiting 3-4 weeks or more. The Department of Education has acknowledged delays with the new system. One important tip: Make sure you completely finish the FAFSA submission process. Many students think they've completed it but miss the final signature step. Both you and your parent (if you're a dependent student) need to sign with FSA IDs. Double-check your submission status after completing everything.

also just FYI the fasfa is totally different this year with the new SAI thing instead of EFC so everything is suuuuper backed up. my freind submitted in october and didnt get her results until december!! crazy

Thanks everyone for the helpful advice! I just submitted my 2024-2025 FAFSA and made absolutely sure to complete all the signature steps. I also emailed the financial aid office explaining my situation, and I'm going to call them first thing Monday morning. I'm definitely going to ask about emergency aid and payment plans too. I'm still stressed about the timing, but at least I know I'm doing everything I can now. I'll update once I hear anything!

Just wanted to add that some schools have what's called "Satisfactory Academic Progress" (SAP) appeals or emergency financial aid funds that can help bridge the gap while you're waiting for your FAFSA to process. When you call Monday, specifically ask if they have any emergency or short-term aid programs available for students in your exact situation - starting classes while waiting for federal aid processing. Also, if you're eligible for Pell Grant based on your family's income, that money is typically guaranteed even if you apply late, so don't lose hope! The key is just getting that FAFSA submitted (which you did!) and staying in communication with your school. You've got this!

Don't panic - you're not the first student to be in this situation! I work in higher ed and see this more often than you'd think. Here's what I'd recommend in addition to what others have said: 1. Check if your school has a "priority registration hold" they can place on your account - this prevents you from being dropped while aid processes 2. Look into whether your state has any emergency grant programs (many do, especially post-COVID) 3. If you're working, some employers have tuition assistance programs that can help cover costs temporarily Also, when you call Monday, ask to speak with a financial aid counselor, not just the front desk. They have more authority to explore options and may know about institutional funds that aren't widely advertised. Some schools keep small emergency funds specifically for situations like yours. The fact that you submitted your FAFSA is the biggest hurdle - everything else is just logistics now. You've got this! 💪