What changed?
Major changes to the FAFSA began in 2021 with Congress passing the Consolidated Appropriations Act. This revamp is changing the FAFSA application and its calculation of federal aid. While some of the changes have already occurred, the biggest changes go into effect with the 2024-25 Academic Year.
St. Olaf continues our commitment to affordability for all students. We understand that the financial aid process can be confusing and encourage students and families to reach out to the Financial Aid Office if you have questions about your individual situation.
Prospective Students
A student’s admission application to St. Olaf is used to determined all academic and fine arts merit scholarships. The FAFSA is used to determine all federal and state financial aid. The CSS Profile is used to determine all St. Olaf need-based aid.
For the 2024 – 2025 School Year, St. Olaf will use the CSS Profile to create an estimated financial aid offer that includes federal and state aid. We will not be able to finalize this offer until we have the FAFSA, but we can use the CSS Profile to estimate federal and state aid. While the FAFSA will no longer take the number of college students in a family into account, St. Olaf will take number of college students into account through the CSS Profile.
The FAFSA for the 24-25 Academic Year is now available but we understand that there are significant chunks of time where the form cannot be accessed. We will continue to work with families during this time of uncertainty and change. We will be flexible with deadlines and know that there are circumstances beyond the student and family’s control with the FAFSA.
Current Students
Current students at this time will continue to only need to complete the FAFSA for financial aid in future years. We will continue to consider the number in college for any St Olaf need-based aid, even if the FAFSA no longer uses it in their calculation. The FAFSA will still be required for federal and state aid.