Important Changes to the Federal Financial Aid Process
The federal government recently passed and is implementing the FAFSA Simplification Act, which is designed to make the process of accessing federal and state aid more transparent and less burdensome.
Typically, families may begin filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on October 1 each year. Due to the rollout of the new form and process, the 2024-2025 FAFSA opened with a “soft launch” at the end of December. Families are encouraged to check this page for updates and to visit studentaid.gov for more information.
Please note that the delay in the opening of the FAFSA will delay when all colleges can finalize student aid packages. However, this delay will not affect the process of applying to, being admitted and receiving a scholarship letter from Hanover College.
FAFSA Resources for Students and Families
StudentAid.gov article: How do I create a StudentAid.gov account?
Review this step-by-step guide to create a StudentAid.gov account and set up an account username and password.
StudentAid.gov article: Can I Create a StudentAId.gov account if I don’t have a SSN?
If you are a parent or spouse of a student applying for aid, or a student who is a citizen of the Freely Associated States, and you don’t have a Social Security number, learn about creating an account without a Social Security number (SSN).
StudentAid.gov article: What should I do if I have an unusual circumstance and can’t provide parent information?
In certain situations, you (the student) may be able to submit the FAFSA form without parent information. Read this article to determine if you may have an unusual circumstance.
StudentAid.gov article: 6 Things Students Need Before They Fill Out the 2024-25 FAFSA Form
Here’s what you’ll need to access and complete your FAFSA form.
The FAFSA is now open!
It’s time to file your FAFSA for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Secure your FSA ID, which serves as your electronic signature. When completing your FAFSA, the system will use your 2022 tax information.
HANOVER SCHOOL CODE
Hanover College’s federal school code is 001801.
This code must be listed in step four of the FAFSA in order for us to receive your FAFSA information.
DEADLINES
You should plan to file your FAFSA beginning December of your senior year in high school (or your last year in high school) and annually thereafter. You need to file the FAFSA as early as possible in the calendar year to ensure timely processing of your financial assistance. We recommend filing by March 1 of each year. For Indiana residents, the federal processor must receive the FAFSA by April 15 in order to be considered for state grant eligibility. If you miss this deadline, you may still file the FAFSA after April 15 but you will not be eligible for Indiana state grants.
ABOUT THE FAFSA
Hanover College and the federal government assume that families will invest in the education of their students. While Hanover remains steadfastly dedicated to assisting families, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to meet full financial need for all students. Your student aid index (SAI) and your eligibility for Federal, State and Hanover College assistance are determined through the FAFSA.
Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is critical to ensuring your eligibility for the maximum amount of financial assistance possible. Federal guidelines are used to analyze such factors as income, assets and family size in order to determine the family’s ability to meet college costs and eligibility for grants and federal loans.
In order to maintain your eligibility for financial assistance, families are required to submit the FAFSA annually.
Completing the FAFSA online is the recommended method as it quickens the financial assistance process, ensures timely processing and assists with catching inconsistencies or errors. For help in filling out the FAFSA, go to studentaid.gov/completefafsa or call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243). If you are hearing impaired and have questions, please contact the TTY line at 1-800-730-8913.
ONLINE FAFSA
QUESTIONS?
Call 1-800-213-2178 and ask for a financial aid counselor.
