ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — It's the time of the year where many high school students are making a decision on their education careers.
Roberta Ferguson, a financial aid counselor at Augustana College, says the college is seeing more applicants than ever.
"This has been an exciting year for Augustana," Ferguson said. "My job is to reduce the barriers and the difficulties that students have in obtaining the financial aid that they're eligible for and this year it's no different."
According to the US Department of Education, nearly 18 million students submitted applications for financial aid. This year the application is being launched at a later time than usual and students and their families should expect new changes to the process.
When does FAFSA open?
The newest FAFSA application launches on Saturday, Dec. 31, and is expected to make the application process much simpler for applicants. For those seeking financial assistance for the 2024-25 school year, the last day to apply is June 30, 2025. Students are encouraged to check with their school to see if they have a different deadline.
The new form will enable applicants to skip certain questions based on individual circumstances, according to the government. Some applicants will be able to complete as few as 18 questions.
What changed in the new FAFSA form?
The new FAFSA form features several changes that students and families need to know about. Read all about the biggest changes coming to the new form.
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