FAFSA 2025 Prep: What Every Family Needs to Do Now
If your student is heading to college next fall, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) should be on your radar—right now.
October marks the opening of the FAFSA, and with recent updates to both the form and the underlying formula, this year’s process may look different than what you’ve seen before. The good news? Early preparation is the best way to reduce stress and improve your student’s chances of receiving meaningful aid.
Here’s a practical, step-by-step guide to get your family ready.
Step 1: Understand What’s Changed
This year’s FAFSA overhaul is more than just a design refresh. Key updates may directly affect your eligibility for need-based aid and how your financial information is assessed.
Here’s what you need to know:
- EFC is now SAI
The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) has been renamed the Student Aid Index (SAI). Although the formula is still similar, the new terminology aims to reduce confusion. This number is not the amount you’ll pay—it’s just a starting point colleges use to calculate aid. - The sibling discount is no longer automatic
If you have multiple students in college, your SAI is no longer divided between them by default. Some colleges may still offer aid adjustments for siblings, but it is no longer required. - The FAFSA is shorter
Thanks to a new IRS Data Exchange (FA-DDX), your federal tax data will be pulled automatically into the form. Most families will now answer fewer than 40 questions. - Custodial parent rules have changed
For divorced or separated parents, the FAFSA should now be completed by the parent who provided the most financial support—not necessarily the one the student lives with.
Want more detail? Download our resource: 10 Biggest FAFSA Changes You Need to Know.
Step 2: Create Your FSA IDs Early
Every FAFSA contributor (student and parent) must have their own FSA ID. This year, each contributor needs to log in separately—even from the same device.
Do not wait until October 1. Create your FSA ID now to ensure it’s verified and ready when the FAFSA opens.
You’ll need:
- A valid email address
- A mobile phone number
- Social Security Number
- Answers to security questions
Parents who file taxes separately may need to create individual FSA IDs. Start here: studentaid.gov/fsa-id
Step 3: Gather Your Documents
Filing the FAFSA requires several key pieces of financial and household information. Get these documents organized ahead of time:
- 2023 federal tax returns
- W-2s and records of untaxed income
- Current bank and investment account balances
- Records of child support received or paid
- Family size and number of students in college
Use our FAFSA Prep Checklist (PDF) to track what you need and stay organized throughout the process.
Download the FAFSA Prep Checklist (PDF)
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Step 4: Know Your Deadlines
Although the FAFSA opens in October, some schools have priority financial aid deadlines as early as November or December.
This is especially important for students applying Early Action or Early Decision. If you miss the priority deadline, your student may miss out on institutional aid—even if they qualify on paper.
Tip: Make a list of every college your student is applying to, along with their FAFSA deadline. File early to keep all aid options on the table.
Step 5: Look Beyond the FAFSA
While the FAFSA is the foundation of federal aid, it’s not the only form schools may require. Depending on your student’s college list, you may also need to complete:
- CSS Profile (opens October 1)
Required by many private institutions for non-federal aid. - Institutional aid applications
Some colleges have their own portals for school-specific scholarships. - Private scholarship applications
Many have fall deadlines, and some require FAFSA completion as part of eligibility.
Don’t Let Confusion Cost You Aid
The earlier you begin, the more confident you’ll feel—and the more funding opportunities your student may unlock. Although the FAFSA may look different this year, your game plan should stay the same: start early, stay organized, and ask for help when you need it.
We’re here to make the process easier.
Watch an on-demand walk through of the FAFSA
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