ABC10 News TV Interview with Dr. Shaan Patel

FAFSA in 2025: What Families Must Know to Get College Aid on Time
By Dr. Shaan Patel, CEO & Founder of Prep Expert

Every year around this time, millions of families across America are hit with the same question: “How are we going to afford college?”

It’s not an easy answer. College costs are climbing faster than inflation. And while financial aid has traditionally offered a critical lifeline, recent events have shown just how fragile that system can be.

If you’re applying to college in 2025—or have a child who is—you need a clear plan for how to navigate FAFSA, maximize your aid opportunities, and protect yourself against delays and disruption.

Here’s what you need to know—and how to set yourself up for success this year.

FAFSA Is Still Your First Step—But Timing Is Everything

FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, remains the foundation for most financial aid. It determines eligibility for:

• Federal student loans
• Pell Grants
• Work-study programs
• Many state and institutional scholarships

The 2025 FAFSA is already open—and here’s the key: The federal deadline is June 30, 2025, but you should submit much earlier.

Why?
Because many grants and aid programs operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Waiting until the last minute could cost you thousands of dollars in lost opportunities.

I recommend submitting your FAFSA as soon as possible, ideally by early spring. Families who apply early consistently receive better aid packages than those who wait.

What You’ll Need to Submit the FAFSA

To complete the FAFSA smoothly, make sure you have:

• Student and parent Social Security numbers
• Last year’s tax returns and W-2s
• Records of untaxed income (like child support)
• Balances of savings, investments, and 529 plans
• Documentation of any major financial changes (such as medical expenses or loss of income)

It’s critical to be accurate. Mistakes can lead to verification delays—and with the current uncertainty around the Department of Education, you want your application moving through the system as efficiently as possible.

Yes, You Should Still Apply—Even with Federal Changes

The Department of Education has been in the headlines a lot lately. President Trump’s executive order to begin dismantling the department created real concern for families, especially around federal aid.

Here’s the good news:

• Student loans and grants are federally guaranteed. They won’t just disappear, even if the Department of Education changes structure.
• FAFSA will continue to exist, even if it’s eventually managed by another federal agency like the Treasury Department.
• But processing delays are likely. Expect slower customer service, more paperwork, and longer wait times for financial aid decisions.

In other words: federal aid isn’t vanishing, but it might take longer to get it. That’s why early filing, good documentation, and a backup plan are more important than ever.

How to Protect Yourself from FAFSA Delays

When it comes to financial aid in 2025, preparation is everything. Here’s what I’m recommending to every student and parent right now:

1. Submit Early

The earlier you submit the FAFSA, the higher your chances of securing grants and other need-based aid that may run out later in the season.

2. Keep Records of Everything

Save copies of:

• Your submitted FAFSA confirmation page
• Student Aid Reports (SARs)
• Any emails or letters from the financial aid office
• Notes from phone conversations (including names of contacts and dates)

This way, if there’s a turnover or delay at the federal level, you have documentation to keep your application moving forward.

3. Confirm Deadlines with Every School

Remember: each college sets its own financial aid priority deadlines, which are often much earlier than the federal June 30 cutoff.
Some schools require FAFSA submission by February or March. Always check your target schools’ deadlines individually.

Diversify Your Financial Aid Strategy

One of the biggest lessons from the past few months is clear: Families cannot afford to rely solely on federal aid anymore.

Here’s how to build a stronger funding plan:

• State Grants and Scholarships
  Most states offer their own financial aid programs separate from federal aid. For example, California’s Cal Grant program or Texas’s TEXAS Grant.
• Institutional Scholarships
  Many colleges offer significant aid directly to students through merit-based scholarships, departmental awards, or need-based grants.
• Private Scholarships
  Each year, billions of dollars are awarded by companies, nonprofits, and community organizations. Students should aim to apply for at least 20-30 scholarships by the end of senior year.
• 529 College Savings Plans
  If you have younger children or are still a few years away from college, a 529 plan can provide a tax-advantaged way to save for future education costs.

At Prep Expert, we’ve helped thousands of students unlock scholarships and lower their college bills—and one thing we always emphasize is building multiple financial safety nets.

What’s at Stake If You Miss Out?

Skipping FAFSA or missing deadlines can cost you:

• Tens of thousands of dollars in federal grants
• Access to subsidized student loans with lower interest rates
• Eligibility for state and institutional aid tied to FAFSA submission
• Opportunities for work-study programs that provide part-time jobs on campus

Beyond the immediate cost, the ripple effects are long-term.
Students who graduate with excessive debt are more likely to delay buying homes, starting businesses, or even saving for retirement.

A few hours spent preparing your FAFSA properly now can literally change the next decade of your life.

Final Advice for 2025 Applicants

The landscape is shifting, but the fundamentals remain the same:

Early action, thorough preparation, and diversified funding are your best tools to afford college without drowning in debt.

Fill out the FAFSA today. Stay organized. Apply for every scholarship you’re eligible for. Build a backup plan. And keep pushing forward even if the system gets bumpy.

Higher education remains one of the best investments you can make—but in 2025 and beyond, it’s the students who plan smart who will thrive.

At Prep Expert, we’re here to help you every step of the way—from SAT/ACT prep to scholarship coaching to strategic admissions guidance.

College is still within reach. But this year, it’s up to you to reach for it first.

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Dr. Shaan Patel is a Shark Tank winner, bestselling author, and founder of Prep Expert, the nation’s leading provider of SAT/ACT prep, college admissions consulting, and scholarship advising. He scored a perfect SAT and has helped over 100,000 students transform their futures through education.