Big changes are happening this October aimed at simplifying the federal financial aid process starting with the 2017-2018 academic year. One of the biggest shifts is the date: Students can submit their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application starting Oct. 1, three months earlier than in previous years.
Janice Scheutzow, director of financial aid at Nazareth College, says there a couple things students need to know:
1. The FAFSA is available October 1.
Students can submit their 2017-2018 FAFSA beginning Oct. 1, 2016, at fafsa.gov. Previously, Jan. 1 served as opening day for FAFSA submissions. The new date allows students a longer time period to consider their college options based on financial aid awards.
2. Families need to use earlier income and tax information.
Effective October 2016, students and their families are required to submit tax data from two years prior (referred to as the "prior, prior year"). For example, students applying for the 2017-2018 FAFSA will use their 2015 tax return.
By using the 2015 tax information, it puts less pressure on families to get their 2016 taxes completed by mid-January.
3. Proactive communication will be very important this year
"Due to the nature of the employment markets, many families' realities look different year from year. Although the use of 2015 tax information is helpful for processing, it will create many questions and adjustments, and engaging with our office on those will be very important".
Learn more about the changes affecting the FAFSA.
Students are encouraged to contact Nazareth College's Financial Aid Office with any questions at (585) 389-2310 or finaid@naz.edu. Here is the Nazareth College Financial Aid website.
Julie Long | Nazareth Chief Public Relations Officer | (585) 389-2456 | jlong2@naz.edu
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