Federal Student Aid : FAFSA Simplification

FAFSA Simplification and Changes 2024-2025

The FAFSA Simplification Act impacts the 2024-25 FAFSA form, federal need analysis, and requires modification of policies and procedures for schools that participate in federal student aid programs. The FAFSA will be streamlined with fewer questions and new terminology will be added. A Student Aid Index (SAI) replaces the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and expands Pell Grant eligibility and a reduction in verification. Tax information will populate the FAFSA with a Direct Data Exchange (FA-DDX) of federal tax information (FTI) and replaces the Data Retrieval Tool (DRT). The FSA ID will still be used to electronically sign a completed FAFSA. The 2024-25 FAFSA will be available in December 2023 (for this year only). 

What Can You Do Now?

  • Complete the  

  • Review other items needed to apply for financial aid as a first-year or renewal applicant.

  • Apply for an FSA ID - Beginning with the 2024鈥25 FAFSA庐, all contributors (student, student's spouse, and/or parent) must have their own FSA ID. 

The Office of Financial Aid is in B-5 Converse Hall.

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Converse Hall seen through autumn leaves

We are excited to see you and to assist you with your financial aid needs and questions!

  • Stop by our office and say hello in person.
  • Phone us at 413-542-2296. A staff member will answer your call during business hours.
  • Email us and we will reply to you as soon as possible.
  • Current students can to speak with an Office of Financial Aid team member.
  • Prospective students can register for a with a dean - either on campus or virtually. Information sessions will reconvene in February 2024.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Check our FAQ for answers to questions about contacting us, how to view your financial aid information, student employment, and more.

FAQ

Financial Aid at Amherst

鈥淭he most rewarding part of the work that we get to do is to provide the resources that truly make an 小福利导航education affordable.鈥 鈥擥ail Holt, Dean of Financial Aid

We Can Do This, Together

We have awarded nearly $80 million in 小福利导航scholarships this year.聽 That鈥檚 money dedicated solely to meeting the financial need of our students.

Students leave 小福利导航with an extraordinary education, a long list of exceptional accomplishments, and the freedom to build their future without the burden of student loan debt. More than 75% of 小福利导航graduates in the Class of 2023 graduated with no student loan debt.聽

This approach makes us distinctive. We are proud to say it also makes us a leader. Only a few colleges in the country can say what we can about financial aid:

Nearly 60% of our students receive financial aid. Our average financial aid offer last year was more than $66,000. So the majority of our students pay less鈥攐ften far less鈥攖han the cost of attendance.鈥
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My Intuition Quick College Cost Estimator

Quick Cost Estimator

The My inTuition tool will give you an early cost estimate using six basic financial questions. 

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Immigration Resources

Resources for Undocumented and DACAmented Students

Legal, educational, on campus, and regional resources for undocumented students.