Understanding FAFSA Simplification - Students and Families
Important Updates
- March 21, 2024: California Legislature approves extension of filing deadline to May 2nd, 2024. Bill headed to Governor Newsom for signature.
- As of March 14, 2024: Contributors without an SSN are now able to enter information into the FAFSA.
- January 30, 2024:
- Federal Student Aid announced FAFSA information will not be released to schools until mid-March.
- Students will be able to make corrections to their FAFSA data in late March (this includes adding additional schools to the FAFSA)
- January 8, 2024: The FAFSA is now available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Contributors without an SSN can now sign up for an FSA ID on the studentaid.gov website.
- The Priority Filing Deadline for Cal Poly Pomona and the State of California has been extended to May 2nd, 2024 (for the 2024-2025 year only)
- Our Guide to Creating an FSA ID for Contributors without an SSN (PDF) is now available
Apply by May 2, 2024 to maximize your eligibility!
Key Changes for 2024-2025
Contributors
A contributor is anyone who is required to provide information in support of the student's financial aid application. A contributor is a parent, guardian, or student spouse. Each contributor will be required to have their own Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID and need to consent to their information being included on the student's FAFSA.
Watch this video for more information about Contributors.
IRS Direct Data Exchange
Instead of entering their financial information manually, all contributors on a student's FAFSA application must consent for IRS Direct Data Exchange (DDX) allowing their data to be transferred directly to the FAFSA. There is no opt-out for this requirement. If a contributor does not consent, the student will be ineligible for federal aid.
Watch this video about the new Direct Data Exchange.Student Aid Index
The Student Aid Index (SAI) is replacing the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) formula. This is a new need-analysis formula that financial aid staff will use when awarding need-based grants and scholarships. This formula change links eligibility to family size and the federal poverty level, and will result in Federal Pell Grants being offered to more students.
Watch this video about the new Student Aid Index
Unusual Circumstances
Under the new FAFSA, students who indicate they have an unusual circumstance preventing them from having a parent contribute to their FAFSA will automatically be granted provisional independent status. Cal Poly Pomona will follow up with instructions on completing the Unusual Circumstances appeal in order to have their Independent status confirmed.
Review the FAFSA Fact Sheet for Unusual Circumstances (PDF) for more information.
Latest Resources
Helpful Videos to Understand the 2024-2025 FAFSA Application Process
Watch the videos below to prepare for completing your FAFSA.
What's Changed for the 2024-2025 FAFSA?
Gather Information Required to Complete the FAFSA
Who is a Contributor on the FAFSA?
How Do I Complete the 2024-2025 FAFSA Form if My Parent is a noncitizen?
How to Create an Account and Username (FSA ID) for StudentAid.gov
How to Create a StudentAid.gov Account if you don't have an SSN
What Does it Mean to Provide Consent and Approval on the 2024-2025 FAFSA Form?
Start Your 2024-2025 FAFSA
What Happens After Submitting the FAFSA?
2024-2025 FAFSA Projected Timeframe
Below is the projected schedule for 2024-2025 Financial Aid applications and information (updated as of February 6, 2024).
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| December 31, 2023 | 2024-2025 FAFSA Opens (will initially be available on a limited basis each day throughout January) |
| Late March, 2024 |
Cal Poly Pomona receives FAFSA information into our database |
| Late March 2024 |
Students and Contributors can make corrections to FAFSA data |
| April 8 - 10, 2024 |
Students may be selected for Verification (further review) and items added to their To Do List on Bronco Direct. |
| April 8 - 10, 2024 |
Unusual Circumstance Appeal initiated for students with Provisional Independent Status |
| April 15 - 19, 2024 |
Aid Package Notifications will be sent by email to Admitted Students |
| May 2, 2024 | Priority Filing Deadline for 2024-2025 FAFSA for CA State and CSU financial aid grant programs |
| June 1, 2024 | Special Circumstance Appeal will be made available (for students or families with significant reductions in income) |
| June 17 - 28, 2024 | Aid Package Notifications will be sent by email to Current / Continuing Students |
Learn More
FAFSA Simplification Overview
Direct Data Exchange
The Student Aid Index
Pell Grant Enrollment Intensity