Everyone who applies for federal student aid knows about the FAFSA, but what may not be well known are the recent improvements to the 2011-12 version. The Student Loan Blog pointed out some of these enhancements last week. Sally Croft states that the entire process is simpler and faster while the addition of easier e-filing reduces the need to consult occasionally shady third parties.
Because the original post has some heavy ad intrusion (including a horribly placed payday-loan banner), I’ve taken the liberty of summarizing Croft’s keys to the new FAFSA:
- color coding (see image above)
- fewer questions; can skip inapplicable ones
- direct import of tax info from IRS website starting summer 2011
- direct tie-in to eligibility for Pell Grants and federal loans
YouShouldGoToSchool.com is on record as being critical of the FAFSA (see our financial aid FAQ), so these changes are quite welcome. Go, color coding!
