What to Know About the 2024-2025 FAFSA

The FAFSA Simplification Act was passed by Congress in 2020 and represents a significant overhaul of the processes and systems used to award federal student aid. This includes the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, the need analysis that determines federal aid eligibility, changes in terminology, and many policies and procedures for schools that participate in federal student aid programs.

• If you already submitted the 2024-2025 FAFSA, but need to make a correction to it, you are now able to do so. Just remember updates to data are not permitted. It is only corrections to data that was reported incorrectly.
• FAFSA contributors (parent or spouse) with no Social Security Number (SSN) may have issues completing their section of the FAFSA until they have an FSA ID. All contributors must now have an FSA ID, even without an SSN. This process may require a separate verification process with Federal Student Aid.
• Under the “Apply for a Direct Unsubsidized Loan Only” section, if you answer “yes” the question that your parents are unwilling contribute to your FAFSA and submit it, it will lock them out of the process until corrections can be made. Do not answer “yes” to these questions if your parents will be able to include their information but aren’t available when you are completing the FAFSA. Naming them as “contributor” will allow them to go in later to add their information. This question is meant for students who have no contact with their parents.
• Error messages have appeared when a student reports that their parent lives out of the country or provides an international phone number or address.

While these challenges have made the process more difficult for some, the Financial Aid advisors at NHCC are available to provide support! If you would like assistance navigating the FAFSA process, consider visiting the Financial Aid Office anytime during business hours (no appointment needed).

Financial aid staff are also available to answer any questions by phone at 763-424-0728 or email at faid@nhcc.edu.

• The Net Price Calculator is a resource that allows you to estimate your eligiblity for grant assistance at NHCC based on average needs.
• Learn more about the 2024-2025 FAFSA form at studentaid.gov.
• Minnesota State Colleges and Universities impact of FAFSA delay webpage.