Local universities gearing up for new FAFSA application launch

SALISBURY, Md. – Students and parents are preparing to fill out FAFSA applications. Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management at Salisbury University, Allen Koehler, said they can expect the new version to be a bit easier to navigate. Those entering the 2024-25 academic year will be the first to fill out the updated Application.

“Any barriers that we can eliminate and make easier for students, not only for admissions purposes, but also from the awards standpoint, when filing the FAFS, that’s really just benefiting the students in the long run,” Koehler said.

The FAFSA application launches on December 31st,. Salisbury University will receive the data at the end of January. SU’s Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships, Mason White, said the new window of time will still allow for an even allocation of funding and scholarships.

“We receive the FAFSA results, and we review and determine financial aid eligibility for federal, state and institutional aid,” White said. “We will create a financial aid award packet for the students and send the financial aid notification to the student.”

And with Salisbury University’s student body on a steady rise, White said submitting your application sooner rather than later can help alleviate some of the financial burden of student loans in the long run.

“It is important for a student to see what they may be eligible for at SU,” White said. “Awards are based on availability, and they do run out, so we recommend that all students submit the FAFSA as soon as possible.”