By Mike Russell and Chris Jenkins
For years, families treated the FAFSA as a necessary but straightforward step in the college planning process. You filled it out, submitted it, and waited.
That is no longer the case.
Recent FAFSA changes have created confusion, delays, and uncertainty for parents across the country. In our recent webinar, we addressed what is actually happening, why families are feeling stuck, and what parents should be doing right now to stay in control of the process.
The most important takeaway is this: the FAFSA still matters, but understanding how it works today matters more than ever.
The FAFSA Is Simpler — and More Complicated
On paper, the FAFSA has fewer questions than in previous years. That sounds like a win. In practice, it has created new issues.
Parents are encountering:
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Technical delays and processing backlogs
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Missing or delayed Student Aid Index (SAI) calculations
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Confusion about what information colleges actually receive
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Uncertainty around timelines for aid offers
A “simpler” form does not mean a clearer outcome.
Families who assume everything will resolve itself automatically risk missing important planning opportunities.
The Student Aid Index (SAI) Changes the Conversation
One of the biggest shifts is the replacement of the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) with the Student Aid Index (SAI).
This change affects:
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How need is calculated
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How colleges interpret affordability
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How aid offers are structured
The SAI is not what parents are expected to pay. It is an index used by schools to determine eligibility for need-based aid. That distinction matters, because misunderstanding it leads families to assume outcomes that are not guaranteed.
Parents should view the SAI as a starting point for conversations, not a final answer.
Timing and Accuracy Matter More Than Ever
Because of FAFSA delays and institutional backlogs, accurate and timely submission is critical.
Errors, incomplete information, or assumptions can slow the process even further. Families should:
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Confirm FSA ID access early
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Double-check all income and asset entries
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Understand which parent’s information must be included
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Avoid making financial moves without understanding FAFSA impact
Waiting for clarity before acting can actually put families behind.
FAFSA Does Not Equal Financial Aid
Another misconception addressed in the webinar is the idea that completing the FAFSA guarantees meaningful financial aid.
It does not.
The FAFSA is simply a tool colleges use to evaluate eligibility. Aid decisions are still made by individual schools, each with their own policies, priorities, and resources.
This is why:
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Two schools can offer vastly different aid packages
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Merit aid may matter as much as need-based aid
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College selection directly impacts affordability
FAFSA completion is necessary, but it is not the strategy.
What Parents Should Be Doing Right Now
Based on the discussion, parents should focus on a few clear actions:
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Complete the FAFSA as soon as possible, even if information feels incomplete
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Do not assume ineligibility based on income alone
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Pay attention to school communications regarding missing data or delays
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Compare offers carefully, not just tuition numbers
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Seek clarity before making enrollment decisions
The goal is not perfection. It is informed decision-making.
FAFSA Is One Piece of a Bigger Picture
The FAFSA does not exist in isolation. It interacts with:
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College choice
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Merit aid policies
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Family financial structure
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Long-term planning for multiple children
Parents who treat FAFSA as a checkbox often feel blindsided later. Families who understand its role feel more prepared and more confident when decisions must be made.
Final Thoughts for Parents
FAFSA changes have made this year especially challenging, but uncertainty does not mean families are powerless.
Education and guidance make a difference.
At The College Funding Coach, our mission is to help families understand how the system works, what their options really are, and how to make college decisions without unnecessary stress or financial regret.
If you would like help navigating the FAFSA process and understanding what it means for your family, we encourage you to connect with The College Funding Coach and attend one of our free educational workshops or schedule a conversation.
Clear information leads to better outcomes. The FAFSA is still important — you just shouldn’t navigate it alone.