10 Things You Need to Know About FAFSA 2024-25
In 2023, the Department of Education announced updates to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, but additional changes have led to a delay in awarding financial aid packages. At UNO, we want to make the financial aid process as smooth as possible for you and your family. Please contact Financial Support and Scholarships if you have any questions.
1. What has changed about the FAFSA for 2024-25?
A lot! The FAFSA Simplification Act streamlined the FAFSA application process to make the form easier to complete and financial aid more accessible to all students. If you did not qualify for aid in the past, you may now qualify.
2. Why is the FAFSA delayed?
Technical issues. After the new, simplified 2024-25 FAFSA form launched in December, they found that the aid calculation formula needed to be updated. As a result, universities across the country are experiencing delays in processing and allocating financial aid.
3. When should I fill out the FAFSA?
As soon as possible. Submitting your FAFSA now can maximize the amount of aid you may receive. Be sure to include UNO’s school code (002554) on your FAFSA form. Please also try to complete the electronic version of the FAFSA application even if you filed a paper copy.
4. How do I submit my FAFSA form?
Visit StudentAid.gov and create your account. Each contributor (student, student’s spouse, parent, or parent’s spouse) will need to create their own account. Complete all components of the online form and submit. The priority deadline to file your FAFSA is June 1, though your form will still be accepted past the deadline.
Please note: Double check all components of the form for accuracy before you submit it. Once submitted, you will not be able to make changes until the form is processed.
5. What if I need to make changes to my FAFSA form after its submitted?
Don’t worry. Your completed FAFSA form will be labeled as “in review” until mid-March. You will be able to make changes to your FAFSA once you get an email confirmation that the form has been “processed”, and you can see your FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS).
Please note: If you get an email in mid-March saying the FAFSA is missing signatures, you will need to take action to get it resolved before the FAFSA can be processed.
6. When can I expect my financial aid offer?
Early May. Financial aid offer notifications will be sent out once UNO receives your FAFSA data which we anticipate will be in late March.
7. Will this delay affect my admission to UNO?
No. UNO accepts applications continuously until one week before each semester begins, with no application fee for Nebraska residents and domestic non-residents. You do not have to be admitted to UNO to file your FAFSA.
8. What if I’m applying for other scholarships?
Great question! If you’re applying for other need-based scholarships, download a PDF of your confirmation email to prove financial need until your FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS) is ready.
Please note: We encourage students to contact scholarship providers for guidance on how to proceed with their scholarship applications.
9. Can I estimate how much federal aid I may be eligible for?
Yes, visit StudentAid.gov/aid-estimator. The Federal Student Aid Estimator can calculate your Student Aid Index (SAI) to help you estimate Pell Grant eligibility for the upcoming award year.
Please note: This tool does not estimate state-level or university-level financial aid offerings, only federal eligibility
10. I need help. Who do I contact?
Our Financial Support and Scholarships staff! We’re here and ready to answer any questions or concerns you have throughout the FAFSA and financial aid award process.
