Most financial aid cycles launch October 1 with the opening of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). This year, because of the rollout of FAFSA simplification and changes in the federal process, the launch for FAFSA has been delayed to at least December for the 2024-25 academic year.
In anticipation of these changes and their impact on aid offices, CSS Profile®, a common application for nonfederal aid developed by College Board in partnership with aid professionals, will retain its launch date of October 1 this fall.

To remain responsive to the changing landscape of FAFSA simplification and financial aid, College Board continues to work closely with aid professionals to ensure our programs and services meet the needs of higher education and the students we collectively serve. Learn about just a few ways we’re preparing for simplification this year and beyond.

In 2023, the first group of institutions will move to PowerFAIDS™ Cloud—the newest iteration of PowerFAIDS, an industry pioneer in financial aid management. Drawing on over 25 years of experience, PowerFAIDS Cloud adds technological advances to a tool already top-rated in efficiency, compliance, and service.

Standing room only.
Those words aren’t typically associated with technical financial aid discussions. But this year’s Forum session “Preparing for the Complexities of a Simpler FAFSA®” filled the house. From high school counselors to financial aid professionals to enrollment leaders, attendees packed the room, lining the walls and finding seats in the aisle, to hear updates regarding the changes coming to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).