By Kelsey Kendall
The 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now available for students and their families to complete and is available on the Federal Student Aid website.
Old Dominion University’s FAFSA priority filing deadline is March 1 and award notifications for qualified students are tentatively scheduled for early April. More information is available through the University’s Office of Student Financial Aid.
Ashley Miller, associate vice president for enrollment management, shares what students and families need to know as they get ready to submit their FAFSA.
For students and families filling out the FAFSA for the first time, what is FAFSA and why is it important to complete the application?
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is what students and their families complete to apply for financial aid for college or graduate school. It’s important to complete the FAFSA as soon as you can as it determines eligibility for federal grants, work-study, loans, and other types of financial aid
In recent years, there have been some changes to the FAFSA, in accordance with the FAFSA Simplification Act. For those who have filled out the application in previous years, what changes should they expect to see?
The revised FAFSA was released last year, and this is the second cycle that includes the revisions made from prior years. Previously, the form used to be well over 100 questions and now it is shorted to about 40. Families can consent to allow the IRS to share tax data directly with the FAFSA which help simplify reporting. The Student Aid Index (SAI) replaced the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). While the formula behind the scenes has changed, it is possible more students and families will be eligible for federal aid than before. For more information, check out our website.
How does Old Dominion University support students and their families as they go through the FAFSA application and seek other forms of financial aid?
There are several different ways ODU supports students and families through the FAFSA process. We hold financial aid workshops, both in-person and virtual, to guide families through the process. We have financial aid advisors that you can talk to one-on-one for specific questions and offer assistance as you navigate all sources of financial aid by making an appointment.
Our website also has comprehensive resources including videos that walk you through key questions at odu.financialaidtv.com and calculators to help you estimate costs at odu.edu/finaidoffice/calculators.
What are some tips for students and families completing the FAFSA application?
The best tip for filling out the FAFSA is to apply early. Doing so maximizes your chances of securing aid. Another tip is to take advantage of listing up to 20 schools who will receive your FAFSA information. Even if you have not applied at a school yet, it’s ok to list them on your FAFSA as a school to receive your information so that if you do decide to apply, they already have the information so they can package your financial aid award. Seek help if you have any questions as ODU is here to help all students and families as they navigate the process.
What are some common misconceptions about FAFSA and financial aid?
The biggest misconception is that students and families think they will not qualify for financial aid. Many factors, not just income, determine eligibility so go ahead and apply. Some also think the FAFSA is only for loans; however, it can actually include grants and scholarships. If you don’t file the FAFSA, there is potential that you are missing out on financial aid opportunities. Remember that you also must apply every year and that your financial aid package could change from year to year so it’s important to think ahead regarding how you will pay for the investment of your education.
Is there anything else people should be aware of?
Check deadlines! Last year many of those deadlines shifted. While we expect a more typical normal year, be sure to read communications from the schools you are interested in, so you don’t miss out on critical information. Remember to sign and submit your FAFSA as many errors last year were due to students and families not realizing they had to take this step in the process. If you have any questions, reach out to any financial aid counselor at ODU.