NazBound FAFSA Updates
February 5, 2024
There is a lot of uncertainty around the FAFSA and financial aid generally right now, and you are likely awaiting your financial aid offer to decide on your college plans. We know that can be frustrating and worrisome. We understand that and want to provide you with some important information.
What is happening with FAFSA exactly?
As you may already know, there are major changes related to intended improvements to the 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form and process. The FAFSA is used to determine eligibility for any type of financial aid, including scholarships, grants, work-study, and loans. Because of the changes, the FAFSA form launched in December instead of October. Now, colleges will not begin receiving processed FAFSA applications from the U.S. Department of Education until the second half of March 2024. (This was originally scheduled for late January.)
Please know that this impacts every college and university, not just Nazareth.
What does that mean for Nazareth?
The delay means that Nazareth will not be able to issue official financial aid offers until late March or early April. We are unable to confirm an exact date at the moment. We will update the page and alert you as we know more. We are committed to getting your aid offer out to you as soon as possible.
What does that mean for you?
- If you have completed your FAFSA, we appreciate your patience as we await your processed information.
- If you have submitted your 2024-2025 FAFSA and need to make corrections, the U.S. Department of Education has indicated you will not be able to make corrections until March 2024.
- If you are partway done and your FAFSA says “pending” (and is frozen), don’t worry. The federal Department of Education is making adjustments and will eventually enable you to make updates.
- If you have not started your FAFSA, you still have time to do so: 2024-2025 FAFSA. We have lifted the FAFSA filing deadline to ease some pressure.
- If you and your family do not plan on filing a FAFSA, let us know and we can send you an estimated cost of attendance, including your scholarship information.
We want to help
So that we can best help you with the next steps, let us know whether you’ve filed, intend to file, or don’t intend to file a FAFSA form:
Tell us your FAFSA status
Is there anything else you can do?
- While you wait, we have planned multiple events over the next few months to celebrate your acceptance. Make your plans to join us. Relax, have fun, and get to know your future classmates. We can’t wait to see you!
- We recommend staying as informed as possible. Keep an eye out for official announcements from Nazareth University and the Department of Education. Updates regarding the FAFSA, processing timelines, and more will be sent to you via email and posted on our website.
- You can also use this time to explore other options for financial support, such as scholarships, private loans, and payment plans.
- Be open to adapting your plans and consider extending your decision-making timeline with the colleges you are considering.
We know this is very challenging, but by staying informed and communicating with us, you can navigate this period of uncertainty and make informed decisions about your higher education journey.