FAFSA Resources

The FAFSA and CASFA are Delayed…Here’s What You Need to Know

For the first time in nearly four decades, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (the FAFSA) and the Colorado Application for State Financial Aid (the CASFA), will undergo major transformations expected to improve and streamline the application processes for millions of learners and their families. Some of the changes include:

A new Student Aid Index (SAI), which replaces the Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
Expansion of federal Pell grant eligibility
Automatic population of federal income tax data from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
More details about the school’s cost of attendance (COA)

But, while there are a myriad of changes for students, families and even those in higher education, the rollout of the improved forms are delayed until December 2023.

Maintaining Progress Despite the Delayed FAFSA

The delay in the 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid could have significant ramifications for historically underserved students. With less time than usual to complete the form, state agencies, school districts, institutions, and school and college access counselors should plan accordingly to assist all students in completing the form on time. 

To support this work, National College Attainment Network (NCAN) and NCAN member uAspire, developed a statewide toolkit containing action steps, state-specific information, strategies, and templates to help make it easier to transition to the new FAFSA form and process. The materials contained here are helpful to those who provide training.

In addition, although the FAFSA is delayed until December, schools can get ahead by organizing FSA ID creation events. Wondering where to start? Click here.

Finally, it’s not too late to sign up for FAFSA-related training and events. Learn more about the series here. To view CDHE’s trainings, click here.

The Financial Aid Toolkit provides federal student aid information and outreach tools for counselors, college access professionals, nonprofit mentors, and other advisors.

Students and Families

Award Comparison Template

CASFA Website

Creating an FSA ID

FAFSA Application Tips

FAFSA FAQs

Federal Student Aid Estimator Tool

Scholarship Tips

Types of Financial Aid

US Department of Labor Scholarship Finder

What is Verification?

Professionals