Here’s what Texans need to know about the new FAFSA to get aid for college

(The Texas Tribune) – The launch of the revamped federal application to receive aid for college pushed this year’s filing deadlines, but financial aid counselors are still advising college hopefuls in Texas to fill out the form as soon as possible to up the odds of getting more money. The new Free Application for Federal Student Aid is the biggest update to the form in decades. Mandated by Congress in 2020, the changes are expected to streamline the application to make college accessible for more families. Students will see fewer questions and a different formula used to award need-based aid. Related Stories Completing the application has been a pain point for Texas families. The form came three months late, on Dec. 30, because the U.S. Education Department needed more time to roll out changes. In a weeklong, rocky “soft launch,” the form was only accessible for intermittent periods of time, with a waiting room to manage capacity. As of Jan. 8, the form has been available 24 hours a day. FAFSA is the single best way to get assistance paying for college because it opens the door for federal, state and school grants and scholarships. The Texas high school class...