Local Students and Families: Be Prepared for Slow FAFSA Changes and Potential Delays

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) for the 2024-25 academic year was released on December 30, with some restrictions. The form was intermittently available to check site performance and functionality. Despite initial confusion, the federal aid website confirms that students and families will have sufficient time to complete the form, a key step in applying for college financial aid.

Those who fill out the form during this initial period won't need to reapply, as their information will be stored. This feature saves students and families from the inconvenience of reapplying. The federal aid website reassures applicants of ample time to complete the form.

However, the Department of Education expects processing delays due to the FAFSA update. As a result, colleges and universities may not receive applicants' information until late January, potentially slowing the financial aid process.

Once the FAFSA data is available, Meredith's Financial Aid Office will promptly provide financial aid offers. They encourage students and families to reach out to the Office of Financial Assistance with any queries. The office is dedicated to helping students and families through this new process.

In summary, despite some limitations and potential delays with the updated FAFSA, the federal aid website and educational institutions are committed to providing necessary support and time for form completion. The goal is to streamline the financial aid application process, despite these changes.

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