12.11.24

Ranking Member Scott Applauds Signing of FAFSA Deadline Act into Law

New Law Ensures Timely Access to Federal Student Aid, Making Higher Education More Affordable and Accessible for Millions of Students.

WASHINGTON – Today, President Biden signed the FAFSA Deadline Act, H.R. 8932, into law, a critical step forward in improving access to federal student aid for millions of students and families.

The bill, supported by Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby Scott” (D-VA), mandates that the U.S. Department of Education release the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form by October 1st each year, beginning in 2025, ensuring students can access the financial support they need in a timely manner.

As college costs continue to rise, federal financial aid, including Pell Grants, is essential to making higher education more affordable and accessible,” said Ranking Member Scott. “By setting the firm FAFSA release date, the FAFSA Deadline Act gives students and families more time to complete their applications and secure the financial support they need to attend college without unnecessary delays.”

Ranking Member Scott, a longtime advocate for improving access to higher education, added, “The bill strikes a balance between ensuring timely access to financial aid and not compromising the quality of the application process.”

The new law follows years of bipartisan work to make FAFSA simpler and more accessible through the FAFSA Simplification Act. With the new law now in effect, students will benefit from an improved system designed to get them the financial assistance they need when they need it. 

To read a fact sheet on H.R. 8932, the FAFSA Deadline Act, click here.

To read letters of support for the FAFSA Deadline Act, click here.

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