The FAFSA has gone through some big changes this year and understanding them can make a real difference in how much financial aid you receive. The 2025-2026 form is designed to be simpler and faster, but it also brings new rules that every student should be aware of.
Below is a breakdown of what’s new, what it means and how to make sure you don’t miss out on important aid opportunities.
1. The EFC is Gone–Meet the Student Aid Index (SAI)
One of the biggest FAFSA updates is the retirement of the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). In its place is the Student Aid Index (SAI)–which still serves the same purpose: to determine how much financial aid you’re eligible for–but it uses a new formula that’s designed to be more equitable and transparent.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
The SAI can now go below zero, meaning that students with the highest financial need could qualify for more aid than before.
The number of family members in college no longer reduces your calculated need. This is important if you have siblings in college because in previous years, that factor used to increase your eligibility for aid.
The formula now relies more heavily on adjusted gross income (AGI) and asset data shared directly from the IRS, which should reduce manual errors.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
The new formula could shift your aid eligibility depending on your family’s situation. Even if your financial circumstances haven’t changed, your aid offer might look different this year.
2. IRS Data Sharing Is Now Mandatory
This year, everyone who contributes information to their FAFSA—including parents, stepparents and spouses—must consent to share their tax data directly from the IRS. In previous years, using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool was optional. With the use of this tool now being required, this makes the process more secure and reduces the chance of typos or mismatched information.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
This new requirement streamlines the process but also adds an extra step. Each contributor must have their own FSA ID, so it’s important to make sure all contributors set up their FSA IDs early to avoid any delays in the application process. The FAFSA of anyone who refuses to consent to this new process will be considered incomplete and won’t be processed.
3. The FAFSA Now Uses “Contributors” – Not Just “Parents”
The new FAFSA introduces the term “contributor,” which refers to anyone who provides financial information on the form. This includes the student, parents/guardians, stepparents or spouses.
If your parents/guardians are separated, you’ll now report information for the individual who provides the most financial support, not necessarily the one you live with most of the time.
The form also includes a new Parent Wizard Tool, which helps you figure out which parent/guardian’s information to include—a major improvement for students from blended or complex family situations.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
Reporting the wrong contributor can delay your aid or reduce your eligibility, so understanding who qualifies as a contributor helps you get it right the first time.
4. A Simpler, More Dynamic FAFSA
The 2025-2026 FAFSA has fewer question than before—in some cases, less than half as many—thanks to new “dynamic questioning.” The form will now adapt to answers given and only show questions that will apply to the applicant.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
The shorter, smarter form makes it easier to complete, but you’ll still need to be accurate. A single wrong answer could hide or misreport your eligibility for thousands in aid.
5. Florida-Specific FAFSA Info
In addition to the FAFSA, many Florida programs require the Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA), which is available through the Florida Office of Student Financial Aid.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
Programs like Bright Futures, the Florida Student Assistance Grant and the Benacquisto Scholarship use information from the FFAA, not just the FAFSA.
6. Stay on Top of Deadlines
Knowing when your deadlines are is another important factor. While the Federal FAFSA deadline is June 30, 2026, many Florida colleges and universities have earlier deadlines for priority aid. Submitting early ensures you’re considered for limited state and institutional funding that might run out.
Some important dates to keep in mind for the 2025-2026 FAFSA are:
- FAFSA Opens: December 1, 2024
- Florida FFAA Opens: October 1, 2024
- Federal FAFSA Deadline: June 30, 2026
- Corrections Due: September 12, 2026
Florida also recently passed legislation to increase FAFSA education and awareness in high schools, encouraging students to complete it before graduation. This initiative is aimed at helping more Florida high school seniors access aid and reduce student debt.
Understanding these changes will not only make completing the FAFSA easier, but it will also help avoid delays and maximize aid. The sooner you start, the better chance there is at getting the most financial support possible. Be sure to stay tuned for part 2 of the FAFSA blog series where Earn Up will share tips to maximize your student aid and how to avoid costly mistakes!
