UTSA One Stop offers guidance on FAFSA changes

AUGUST 16, 2023 — Significant changes are coming to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) processes. The updates, which aim to streamline the application process and expand financial aid opportunities for eligible students, will go into effect for the 2024-2025 aid year, and are a direct result of the FAFSA Simplification Act that was signed into law in December 2020.

"These federal changes are an important step in reducing financial hurdles and creating a smoother application process for students,” said Lynn Barnes Jr., UTSA senior vice provost for strategic enrollment. “More than ever, UTSA is dedicated to helping students apply for financial aid and providing competitive and substantial offers to further their educational goals."

With these changes to the FAFSA and TASFA processes, the university aims to bolster its commitment to supporting students in achieving their academic goals.

“These changes are an important step in reducing financial hurdles and creating a smoother application process.”

Some noted changes include:

• The FAFSA application will be simplified with fewer questions for students to answer. There will also be an easier way to transfer tax information directly from the IRS.
• The FAFSA for the 2024-2025 school year is expected to open in December 2023—a delayed launch from the traditional application date of October 1.
• Due to the delayed FAFSA availability, the opening of the TASFA will also be delayed. That date has not yet been announced.
• The Department of Education is replacing the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) with the Student Aid Index (SAI)—a more simplified calculation which may increase the number of Pell-eligible students.
• Students will now have the option to indicate on the FAFSA if they have unusual circumstances.

Students can contact the UTSA Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships for further guidance and information. Comprehensive updates will also be posted on the UTSA One Stop Enrollment website as they become available.

The Financial Aid and Scholarships team, along with UTSA One Stop, are dedicated to supporting students during the financial aid application process. Alongside federal and state aid programs, the university provides institutional scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities to help bridge the financial gap for students from all backgrounds. UTSA’s Financial Success team will be offering several workshops for new and continuing students to assist with financial aid applications. As of this article’s publication, UTSA’s Financial Aid priority deadline of January 15 has not changed.

— Lindsay O'Day