Is It Conflicting Information If an Admissions Record Indicates a Different Race/Ethnicity/Gender Identity Than the FAFSA?

No. Starting in October 2022 for the 2023-24 application cycle, applicants are asked their gender, race, ethnicity, and whether they are transgender in a voluntary survey as part of the 2023-24 online FAFSA. Applicants are advised that their answers to these questions will not affect their eligibility for federal student aid, and will not be used in any financial aid calculations. Schools will not receive this information.

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) is using feedback on these questions to aid in the development of questions on the 2024-25 FAFSA as required by the FAFSA Simplification Act within the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. For guidance on the 2024-25 changes related to information required to complete the FAFSA, reference Section 483 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) as amended, [20 USC 1090].

Student Aid Reference Desk: For additional information, try the Student Aid Reference Desk. It is a central hub of all the important financial aid resources you need with direct links to legislation, regulation, Dear Colleague Letters, and other ED and NASFAA references. It is updated on a rolling basis with the latest news and changes.