How the College FAFSA Form Is Changing

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High school seniors are starting to set their sights on graduation. With that comes the nerve-wracking college search. Not only are they looking for the perfect school but they or their parents also are figuring out how to pay for it.

The first step for many Americans is filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). In the past, it has been a long, cumbersome ordeal to use. But on Dec. 1, 2023, changes are coming to the FAFSA form. What are these changes, and will it affect financial aid for students?

Changes in FAFSA Format and Submission Date

In 2020, Congress passed the FAFSA Simplification Act. Its mandate was to reduce the number of questions on the form from 108 to less than 50. The goal is also to make the Pell Grant and other aid more accessible.