The landscape of financial aid continues to undergo a historic transformation with the introduction of the FAFSA Simplification Act which took effect in the 2024–25 academic year with additional changes in 2025-26 and beyond. This comprehensive overhaul coupled with additional changes due to One Big Beautiful Bill (OB3) also known as “The Working Families Tax Cuts” Act encompasses changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form and various policies that redefine the application process and aid determination for students.
Key Highlights
Streamlined Application Process
The FAFSA Simplification Act introduced a simplified application process, reducing the number of questions and making it more user-friendly. This means less time and effort spent on completing the application, allowing students to focus on what matters most – their education.
Enhanced Accessibility
Accessibility is a cornerstone of the FAFSA Simplification Act. The changes implemented ensure that more students, regardless of their background, can access financial aid resources. This inclusivity aligns with our commitment to providing equal opportunities for all aspiring learners.
Increased Transparency
Understanding the financial aid process is crucial for students and their families. The FAFSA Simplification Act enhances transparency by providing clearer information about eligibility criteria, aid options, and the overall financial aid landscape. This empowers students to make informed decisions about their educational journey.
Expanded Access to Federal Pell Grant
- Expanded eligibility based on family size (not including number in college) and federal poverty level allows for more students to receive Federal Pell Grants
- Incarcerated students in federal and state penal facilities may be able to receive Federal Pell Grants
- Federal Pell Grant lifetime eligibility is restored to students whose school closed when they were enrolled or if the school is found to have misled the student
What Is Changing?
- Student loan borrowers will be required to project their enrollment for their intended enrollment period they are requesting the loan for.
- Loans will be subject to a Schedule of Reductions that uses Enrollment Intensity to prorate loans. Students who fail to follow and successfully complete the credits projected will be subject to reductions in their future loan disbursements.
What Isn’t Changing?
- The types of aid available to Grays Harbor College students
- The FAFSA is still required to be submitted every year
- Dependency status questions that determine if your parent(s) must complete the FAFSA remain the same
- Tax information from the prior-prior year is still collected. This means you report 2024 income and assets on the 2026-2027 application.
- Grays Harbor College financial aid recommended deadlines will not change
- The questions regarding an applicant’s gender, race and ethnicity has no effect on federal student aid eligibility and is collected for statistical purposes only by the Department of Education. Grays Harbor College will not receive this information from the FAFSA.
How Can You Prepare?
- Mark your calendars for October 1, 2026 and watch for the 2027-2028 FAFSA release.
- Create a FSA ID now if you (or your contributor/parent) do not already have one at fsaid.ed.gov. Use this form to keep track of your FSA ID information.
- Watch what the federal government has to say about FAFSA Simplification in their YouTube Video.
- See how the FAFSA Simplification changes impact what you may qualify for. Use the Federal Student Aid Estimator to see what you may now be eligible for.
Check back here for the most recent updates!
Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA)
The WASFA is for people who do not file a FAFSA. In general, a person should complete the WASFA if they are a Washington resident and undocumented or do not qualify for federal financial aid because of their immigration status, chose not to or are in default on federal loans or owe a repayment of federal grants.
Additional Resources
For additional resources published by Federal Student Aid (FSA) and national associations, please visit: