The 2024-25 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is now open to all Tennesseans. Whether you’re a parent of a returning or new college student or you’re filling it out yourself, we’re here to break down the process.
While typically available in October of each year, the FAFSA got delayed in order to enhance the process with program updates. Changes include:
- Fewer questions for some families
- Information on stepparents + spouses not previously considered
- Elimination of “sibling discount” in calculations, allowing for an estimated 61,000 students from low-income families to be eligible for Pell Grants
- Ability to share information with up to 20 schools
Tips on applying
- Create an account with StudentAid.gov (students + contributors like parents and spouses)
- All parties applying will have to provide their name, date of birth, email + Social Security number
- Tax information (based on 2022 filings) should transfer from the IRS with consent — be extra prepared by having tax returns, child support, or other financial documents ready
Area school codes
- UTC | 003529
- ChattState | 003998
- Covenant College | 003484
- Southern Adventist University | 003518
- Lee University | 003583
Tennessee deadlines
- Monday, April 15 | State Grant prior-year recipients + Tennessee Promise
- Sunday, Sept. 1 | Fall term state lottery
- Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025 | Spring + summer terms state lottery
Note: All deadlines are at 11:59 p.m. CT + due to the application delay, expect financial packages to arrive later than normal.