U.S. Department of Education Reports Over 3.1 Million FAFSA Forms Submitted and Student Aid Index Calculation Update

The U.S. Department of Education (Department) has released new data indicating that over 3.1 million forms of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) have been successfully submitted since the redesigned application for 2024–25 went live on Dec. 30. This new data comes just over three weeks after the Department announced that over one million FAFSA forms had been submitted and made available to access 24/7.

Moreover, the Department has made updates to the tables used in the calculation of the Student Aid Index (SAI), which replaced the Expected Family Contribution formula. These updated SAI tables will enable students to receive an additional $1.8 billion in financial aid, ensuring that they can access the maximum aid they are eligible for.

Under Secretary of Education James Kvaal stated, “The Better FAFSA simplifies the process for families to receive financial assistance for college, and the update to our tables will further help students access the aid they need. We appreciate the financial aid advisers, college counselors, and others who prioritize students.”

“Students, parents, and families continue to express how quick and easy it is to complete and submit the 2024-25 FAFSA form,” commented Federal Student Aid Chief Richard Cordray. “We are committed to ensuring that students and families have secure and reliable access to over $114 billion in federal financial aid. We understand the importance of this support in pursuing higher education, especially for underserved communities, and the positive impact it has on millions of lives, communities, and the nation.”

To further assist schools and state agencies, the Department will begin transmitting batches of FAFSA information, known as the Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR), to these partners in the first half of March. Students will also have the opportunity to make corrections to their form during this period. The Department continues to test various vendor-built systems and will provide regular updates on progress to schools and stakeholders.

An Improved FAFSA Form

The launch of the simplified, redesigned, and streamlined 2024-25 FAFSA form ensures that 610,000 more students from low-income backgrounds receive Federal Pell Grants. Additionally, there will be an increase in aid for Pell recipients, with nearly 1.5 million more students receiving the maximum Pell Grant. The latest FAFSA data highlights the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to delivering the most significant update to the FAFSA form in nearly four decades since its establishment.

Continued Support for an Enhanced FAFSA Experience for All

The Department has been working tirelessly to enhance the user experience for all users of the 2024-25 FAFSA form, especially students and their families. The Department remains dedicated to offering useful tools and information on StudentAid.gov, including sending email notifications to previous FAFSA applicants who have not yet submitted a 2024-25 FAFSA form. The Department also provides resources and support through webinars and updates on FSA Partner Connect for counselors, mentors, college access organizations, postsecondary schools, and state agencies.