The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form used by U.S. citizens and permanent residents to apply for financial aid for college or graduate school. It determines eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. The completed form provides information about the students and their family’s financial situation, which is then used to calculate an Expected Family Contribution (EFC). This EFC is a factor in determining the amount of aid a student will receive.
During the Trump administration, the FAFSA form was not eliminated. However, significant changes were made to the FAFSA process through the FAFSA Simplification Act. This legislation, passed with bipartisan support, aimed to streamline the application process and expand Pell Grant eligibility. These changes were designed to reduce the complexity of the form and make it easier for students to access financial aid.