FAFSA Simplification Act

Let Us Help You Make Sense Of The 25/26 FASFA

The FASFA Simplification Act makes significant changes to the way federal student aid eligibility is determined.  The Academy is here to help you navigate the changes. We have equipped a specialized team of Student Financial Services Representatives with an in-depth knowledge of the updated system to guide you through the new application process. 

You are welcome to attend one of our Student Financial Services zoom sessions. Here, we will provide you with information on the new process/system and answer questions,

October 11th 4:00pm PST – Click here to register

October 25th 4:00pm PST – Click here to register

November 8th 4:00pm PST – Click here to register

November 22nd 4:00pm PST – Click here to register

In the meantime, take a minute to read the information below. If you have questions prior to the Zoom sessions, reach out to us.

Student-friendly updated application

• The FAFSA will feature fewer questions and retrieves tax information using a direct data exchange from the IRS instead of the IRS Data Retrieval Tool.

New terminology and information

• The Expected Family Contribution (EFC), has been replaced with a new formula and will now be referred to as the Student Aid Index (SAI).
• The FAFSA is introducing the new term “contributor,” which refers to anyone who is required to provide information on a student’s FAFSA form, including the student, the student’s spouse, a biological or adopted parent, or the parent’s spouse. Note: Being a contributor does not imply responsibility for the student’s college costs.

Expanding Pell Grant eligibility

• The adjustments to the new Student Aid Index (SAI) calculation will expand Federal Pell Grant eligibility to more students.

April 2025

• Students will be able to submit FAFSA corrections and updates in the first half of April.
• If you are admitted to the University and have completed the financial aid process (FAFSA), you will receive an Estimated Financial Aid Plan from your Student Financial Services Representative (subject to change).

Summer 2025

• Currently enrolled students will be able to view their updated awards for the 2025-2026 school year by late Spring. This information will be posted on the portal, and we expect students to be able to accept or decline their awards by the end of May. The Student Financial Services Office will email all registered students when their award information is available.