2024-25 FAFSA & ORSAA Changes

The biggest overhaul of the processes, systems, and application for FAFSA (and ORSAA) in decades will occur at the end of 2023 for the 2024-25 FAFSA and ORSAA application - known as the FAFSA Simplification Act. OSAC is here to help students, families, and staff who support students navigate this big change. Students who plan to attend college during the 2024-25 academic year (and are eligible to submit the FAFSA or ORSAA) will be the first group to complete the new applications.

At this time, there are still many decisions being made at the federal level on what items will change on the FAFSA. The ORSAA will be updated to align with the FAFSA. As OSAC learns of new information, we will update this webpage. Please bookmark this page to check in on updates from OSAC, along with checking the Federal Student Aid resources.

When will the 2024-25 FAFSA and ORSAA open?

What can students do in the meantime before the FAFSA/ORSAA open?

There are many things that students can do to keep busy in preparation of attending college in 2024-25:

If eligible, create FSA ID now (student, parents, spouses)
Apply for OSAC grants and scholarships
Apply for institutional grants and scholarships at the college
Apply for national scholarships via CollegeBoard, for example
The 2024-25 FAFSA/ORSAA requires 2022 tax/income information - start gathering documents now

What changes are occurring to the Pell Grant?

How can I get help from OSAC regarding FAFSA/ORSAA Changes?

There are many ways OSAC can support you during this new season for FAFSA/ORSAA applications:

If you are a counselor/staff member at a high school, college, or community-based organization and want OSAC to come talk with your staff or your students/families, submit an outreach request! We offer both in-person and virtual outreach presentations. Our calendar is filling up fast, so request now!
If you are a student, or family member of a student, who will submit a 2024-25 FAFSA, we recommend reviewing the resources (in the side bar) first before contacting OSAC. Email PublicPrograms@hecc.oregon.gov with any OSAC questions about the FAFSA.
If you are a student, or family member of a student, who will submit a 2024-25 ORSAA, please email ORSAAHelp@hecc.oregon.gov for assistance and questions.
Regardless of your role, follow OSAC on social media for updates and reminders:

When do students need to submit the 2024-25 FAFSA/ORSAA?

The 2024-25 FAFSA/ORSAA will be open from December 2023 to June 30, 2025. We advise students to submit their FAFSA/ORSAA each year as soon as possible after the application opens. The FAFSA/ORSAA deadline will vary. In additional to general application deadlines, scholarships, grants, and colleges may have their own FAFSA/ORSAA submission deadlines. Students should research deadlines for scholarships, grants, and colleges they are interested in attending.

FAFSA Changes

The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) calculation is being replaced by the Student Aid Index (SAI) - the measure of the ability for a student to pay for college.
Federal Pell Grant eligibility formula is changing.
Federal Tax Information (FTI) directly linked to the FAFSA form.
Students can select up to 20 colleges.
Everyone must have an FSA ID in order to complete the FAFSA form (student, parent(s), and parent or student spouse).
- Paper FAFSA/paper signatures are only available to incarcerated students
Parents/Spouses will be known as “Contributors” on the FAFSA form. Contributors will need to consent to provide their financial information in order for the student to be considered for aid.

ORSAA Changes

The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) calculation is being replaced by the Student Aid Index (SAI) - the measure of the ability for a student to pay for college.
Students can select up to 20 colleges.
Everyone must have an ORSAA account to sign the ORSAA application. At this time, only students can go create accounts. Parents can only create accounts once they receive the electronic invitation from their student.
OSAC is still awaiting information on how the 2024-25 ORSAA will look/feel, and more information will be released in December.