Public Law 118-145: FAFSA Deadline Act
Enactment
Public Law 118-145, known as the FAFSA Deadline Act, was signed into law on December 19, 2024.
Purpose
The FAFSA Deadline Act extends the deadline for filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2025-2026 academic year and beyond.
Key Provisions
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New FAFSA Deadline: The FAFSA deadline is extended from May 1st to September 30th beginning with the 2025-2026 academic year.
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Impact on Financial Aid: The extension provides students and families with more time to gather necessary information and documents to complete the FAFSA. This is expected to result in increased access to financial aid, as more students are able to meet the deadline and qualify.
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State Flexibility: The Act allows states to set an earlier deadline for state-based financial aid programs, as long as it is no earlier than May 1st.
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Pilot Program: The Act establishes a pilot program to provide additional support to students who file the FAFSA after the original deadline.
Rationale
The FAFSA Deadline Act is based on the recognition that the current May 1st deadline is a barrier for many students. Factors such as late tax filing, insufficient information, and financial hardship can delay students from completing the FAFSA. By extending the deadline, the law aims to make financial aid more accessible and equitable.
Implementation
The U.S. Department of Education is responsible for implementing the FAFSA Deadline Act. The new deadline of September 30th will be implemented for the 2025-2026 academic year. The pilot program will be launched shortly after the law’s enactment.
Impact
The FAFSA Deadline Act is expected to have a significant impact on college access and affordability. By providing more time to complete the FAFSA, the law is likely to increase the number of students who apply for financial aid and receive assistance. This could ultimately lead to a more diverse and economically advantaged college student population.
Public Law 118 – 145 – FAFSA Deadline Act
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