FAFSA 2025 Changes: Complete Guide to Financial Aid Updates

The FAFSA underwent major changes that affect how students apply for financial aid. Here is your complete guide to navigating the new system.

Student Aid Index Replaces EFC

The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) has been replaced with the Student Aid Index (SAI). Unlike the EFC which could only be as low as $0, the SAI can go as low as negative $1,500, helping colleges identify students with the highest need.

Simplified Application

The new FAFSA has only about 36 questions instead of the previous 108. The online application is dynamic, adjusting questions based on your financial situation.

Pell Grant Changes

Students now automatically qualify for Pell Grants based on family size and income. You will know your Pell Grant amount much earlier in the process. The maximum Pell award for 2025-26 is $7,395.

More Schools Listed

You can now list up to 20 schools on the online FAFSA application, up from the previous limit of 10 schools.

Contributor Requirements

Anyone required to provide consent for Federal Tax Information must do so for your SAI to be calculated. If any contributor does not provide consent, eligibility cannot be determined.

Parent Information Updates

For students with divorced or separated parents, the parent who provides the most financial support must now be on the FAFSA, rather than the parent with whom the student lived most.

Multiple Children in College

The new SAI formula removes the number of family members in college from the calculation. This is a significant change for families with multiple children attending college.

2026-27 FAFSA Timeline

The 2026-27 FAFSA is on track to launch by October 1, 2025 as required by law. New StudentAid.gov accounts will be verified immediately with the Social Security Administration.

How DeepCampus Helps

Our financial aid tools help you estimate your aid package, compare school costs, and find scholarships to maximize your funding.