As of April 5, 28.0% (24,914) of the class of 2024 have completed the FAFSA. In total, 31,624 have submitted the FAFSA, meaning 6,710 will need updates/corrections.
While this represents a 27.9% decrease compared to last year, Indiana ranks 1st in the nation for closing the gap compared to last year. (Nationally, completions are down 38.3% for the class of 2024.)
When can schools expect to receive FAFSA completion data for the Class of 2024?
States and institutions were given 6 business days between when they received accurate system-generated test files to test updates to our systems and real ISIRs (the FAFSA data files we receive for individual students). We are working as quickly as possible to get ScholarTrack updated so that we can ingest the ISIRs and update the “Excel Senior FAFSA Completion Report.”
That update will not come before the April 15 filing deadline.
We currently expect to provide that update sometime between April 15 and May 10.
At that time, we will be able to update the FAFSA Completion Dashboard for 2024-2025. Note: To ensure that completion rates are accurate, Outreach Coordinators will be reaching out to counselors to ensure school rosters are accurate in ScholarTrack.
Federal Student Aid released completion data at the school and district level for the first time the week of April 8, however the update does not contain aggregate data for the state.
Will the Commission extend the April 15 priority FAFSA filing deadline?
The Commission will not extend the April 15 priority deadline.
We will award state aid to all Hoosiers who file by April 15 and qualify based on their FAFSA.
After that, we will award state aid on a first-come, first-serve basis if funds remain. The last three years we have awarded through June 30, August 31, and May 15 respectively.
Schools should continue to encourage students and families to file after April 15.
What if a student could not submit the FAFSA by the April 15 priority deadline?
Students should document their attempts to submit by April 15 and any issues/concerns.
As soon as students are able to file, they should submit a late FAFSA appeal via ScholarTrack.
What if students still have edits or corrections to make?
If students submitted their FAFSA and are in “In Review,” “Action Required,” or “Processed” status prior to April 15, they will have met the priority deadline for financial aid awarding. However, edits or corrections may need to be made before financial aid awards can be created.
Federal Student Aid is expected to allow students/contributors to make updates to FAFSAs, including edits and corrections, the week of April 15. The ability to make corrections may be available a few hours at a time ahead of the full release.
While there is no deadline to make edits/corrections, students/contributors should complete them as soon as possible to receive financial aid notifications as promptly as possible.
When can students expect to receive financial aid awards?
State aid award notifications are released in late June and early July.
Higher education institutions will release financial aid notifications as soon as they can ingest ISIRs into their systems. Many are anticipating late April and early May.
Note: For financial aid awards to be finalized, a student must have a completed FAFSA that is free of edits/corrections and verification.
When can schools submit FAFSA waivers to the Commission?
The functionality is built in ScholarTrack and can be released as soon as we can ingest ISIRs.
We originally planned to release this April 16. However, we need to be able to show schools which students have submitted FAFSAs, so they know which students need waivers. Thus, we need time to ingest all ISIRs we have received so far.
We anticipate releasing this update and instructions between April 15 and May 10. Schools will submit waiver information to ScholarTrack much like they do GPAs and diploma types through Graduation Details. The deadline for submission will be June 30, aligned with the deadline for Graduation Details submission (schools) and Scholar Success Program completion (students).
Note: Failure to file the FAFSA or submit a waiver will not preclude a student from graduating, as schools are allowed to mass waive those who do not file by April 15 as long as the schools have communicated at least twice with parents/guardians about the FAFSA.
Where can school partners, students, and families get help with the FAFSA?
The Commission’s Outreach Coordinators are available to assist students, families, and school/community partners with FSA ID creation, FAFSA filing/corrections, and appeals.
Hoosier families can also access free FAFSA help through INvestEd by email (outreach@investedindiana.org) or phone at 317-715-9007. ¿Necesitas ayuda en español? Llame 317-715-9007.
The U.S. Department of Education provides email and live chat assistance for FAFSA filers as well as a helpline at 1-800-4-FED-AID.
In addition to being ranked 1st in closing the FAFSA completion gap compared to last year, Indiana has currently risen 13 spots in the state rankings for FAFSA completion. Without the incredible partnership of our school leaders and staff, that would not be possible. We are grateful for your collaboration during what has been an unexpectedly challenging rollout of the Better FAFSA. Our combined efforts will undoubtedly lead to greater economic and social mobility and prosperity for Hoosiers.
Michelle L. Ashcraft, Ph.D.
Senior Associate Commissioner & Chief Program Officer
