This guidance is specific to the 2024-25 award year and later.
The FAFSA Simplification Act dictates what data elements must be included on the FAFSA, and it still requires this item to be reported on the FAFSA. NASFAA is not entirely sure why, but it is most likely because so many states still use this information to award state scholarships and grants.
That said, the number in college is no longer used to calculate the student aid index (SAI) or to otherwise determine a student's eligibility for Title IV federal student aid even if a figure is included on the FAFSA.
See also AskRegs Knowledgebase Q&A, Can We Use Professional Judgment To Adjust For Number In College Starting With 2024-25?
AskRegs Q&As represent NASFAA's understanding of regulatory and compliance issues. They are FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY. While NASFAA believes AskRegs Q&As are accurate and factual, they have not been reviewed or approved by the U.S. Department of Education (ED). If you should need written confirmation of AskRegs information for audit or program review purposes, please contact your ED School Participation Division. NASFAA shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein; nor for incidental or consequential damages resulting from the furnishing, performance, or use of this material.
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