College access professionals should start planning now and inform the students (and by extension, families) they serve of this change.

The National College Attainment Network (NCAN) recommends that organizations and individuals assisting in FAFSA completion plan two types of events: FSA ID creation events and FAFSA completion workshops. As the Better FAFSA opening date approaches, NCAN will delve more into the “nitty-gritties” of FAFSA completion workshops, but they should be scheduled for January 2024 after the 2024-25 FAFSA opens.

However, while you’re waiting for the new form to open, you can host FSA ID creation events. Since everyone inputting information into the new FAFSA (called “contributors”) will need to have an FSA ID to login-in and complete their section, this is an ideal activity to help contributors get ready to fill out the form. 

While it is possible to create an FSA ID and fill out the FAFSA in the same day, it is not recommended (more on that later). That’s why NCAN is urging our members to host FSA ID creation events before the new form opens.

Furthermore, since some states and institutions have yet to push back their financial aid deadlines, students will need all the time they can get to complete the FAFSA. FSA ID creation is a “low-hanging fruit” of sorts that can be done prior to the opening date. >>Keep Reading.