Do you have questions about the NEW FAFSA?
Are you ready to start your education at MCC?
Don’t forget to complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)!
We are excited to announce there is a NEW and simplified FAFSA starting for the 2024-2025 academic year.
This new process makes it:
- Easier to apply than ever
- Possible to increase your eligibility for aid than in previous years
- More important to complete your FAFSA early
Please note, this is a new process nationwide. We are awaiting further guidance from the federal government and will provide you with updates as soon as they are available.
Start your 2024-2025 FAFSA and learn more at the official FAFSA website.
Below are some Frequently Asked Questions to help you better understand the new process.
What is the process for filling out the 2024-2025 FAFSA?
7 Key Changes Coming to the 2024–25 FAFSA® Experience
- Create your FSA ID – the FSA ID* is your username and password that gives you access to all things related to Federal Student Aid – every contributor will need to create an FSA ID.
- Complete your FAFSA – be sure to enter MCC's Federal School Code 009936 in the College Release Section!
*Who needs a FAFSA ID?
Who needs a FAFSA ID? (Spanish)
Who needs a FAFSA ID? (Portuguese)
What are the changes?
The 2024-2025 FAFSA:
- Is shorter and more user-friendly with less than 50 questions
- Includes new terminology
- Expands eligibility for federal financial aid
- Is available in the 11 most common languages spoken in the U.S.
- Allows parents and/or spouses who are not U.S. Citizens or Eligible Noncitizens to use their Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to create an FSA ID*
*Please note: these individuals will be able to report their income and tax information on the FAFSA and use their FSA ID account to electronically sign the FAFSA.
What is not changing?
The 2024-2025 FAFSA still:
- Requires annual completion for federal aid consideration
- Is available to U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens
- Needs prior year tax information
- Allows families that had significant reduction in income due to extenuating circumstances to request special circumstances review
- Maintains the same dependency determination for undergraduates under the age of 24 who will need parent information on the FAFSA*
*If you met a dependency determination in the past, you will continue to do so in the future.
What do I need?
To complete your FAFSA, you will need:
- An existing or new FSA ID for yourself or you parent/guardian if under 24
- Social Security Number (SSN), legal name, date of birth, and email address
- 2022 federal income tax return – including all applicable schedules
- Current bank statements
- Documents showing untaxed income
When does the new FAFSA go into effect?
The 2024-2025 FAFSA determines your eligibility for financial aid for the Fall 2024, Spring 2025, and Summer 2025 semesters.
How can I get help?
We have a few resources available to assist you:
- MCC has partnered with the Educational Opportunity Center (EOC). You can schedule an appointment to meet for a FREE, one-on-one virtual workshop to fill out your FAFSA.
- Visit MCC's website and click on the chatbox to ask Swoops your FAFSA questions! They're equipped to help or guide you to someone who can answer your questions.
- If you are unable to schedule an appointment or need more assistance, come to the Bedford or Lowell Office of Financial Aid between 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
When will I get my award?
Fill out your FAFSA as soon as possible. We will be getting your financial aid information later this Spring and will check in with you at that time. If we have questions, we will contact you.
Keep checking back for more information as it becomes available.
Are there any additional resources?
Other videos include:
Why is the FAFSA changing?
The FAFSA Simplification Act was created by Congress as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021.
This law makes critical changes to the Higher Education Act of 1965 to:
- Expand Pell Grant eligibility
- Reduce the number of questions that families will have to answer
- Remove outdated restrictions
- Make federal aid more accessible to all students