Completing the 2024-25 FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is your application for federal and state grants, work study, and student loans. The 2024-25 FAFSA is available online. Due to federal updates, Black Hawk College students are encouraged to submit their 2024-25 FAFSA starting in February 2024.

We’re here to help!

The Black Hawk College Financial Aid Office provides a variety of support resources and partnerships to encourage early and successful FAFSA completion:

  • BHC FAFSA Completion Nights – Registration is required.
    • East Campus – Monday, Feb. 26 from 4-7 p.m.
    • QC Campus – Wednesday, Feb. 28 from 4-7 p.m.

NOTE: To complete the FAFSA, all contributors must be present and bring their required documents – review our 2024-25 Financial Aid Checklist for details. (Incomplete FAFSAs can be saved and completed by student or parent at a later time.)

But don’t wait – you can get started now!

New students and FAFSA contributors (parents/spouses) should create their FSA ID now, as it can take 2-3 days to authenticate before using. Learn more by reviewing our videos and handouts below.


Changes to the 2024-25 FAFSA

The FAFSA Simplification Act was passed by Congress in 2020 and represents a significant overhaul of the processes and systems used to award financial aid to students.

What’s changing?

Lots of changes are coming, but students and parents will be most interested to know that:

  • The FAFSA will be significantly shorter and more user-friendly.
  • IRS data will be automatically transferred for most tax filers.
  • The number in college will no longer be used to calculate initial eligibility. *
  • If parents are divorced/separated, financial information will be required from the parent (and stepparent, if applicable) who provides the most financial support to the student.
  • The net value of family farms and small businesses must be reported (the value of the business or farm minus any debts owed against them). *
  • Schools will begin receiving 2024-25 FAFSAs in mid-March 2024.
  • Students will be able to submit any 2024-25 FAFSA corrections in mid-March 2024.
  • Due to these delays from the U.S. Department of Education, our 2024-25 award notifications will be sent in early May 2024. Students should monitor their myBlackHawk email for this notification.

* Please note: Beginning May 2024, families with extenuating circumstances can submit a 2024-25 Special Conditions request for additional review.


Resources

Tools

Videos

Handouts and Graphics


Additional Information

Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid

A separate financial aid application for eligible undocumented students who do not qualify for federal financial aid. Review additional details regarding the Retention of Illinois Students & Equity (RISE) Act and Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid, available through ISAC.