FAFSA Update FAQ
We understand how eagerly you have been awaiting your 2024-25 FAFSA award information. We appreciate your patience and assure you that we are working diligently to ensure that you receive your award details as soon as possible.
Unfortunately, additional delays are continuing to impact the awarding process. Please review this page for additional information.
Why have there been delays with the 2024-25 FAFSA?
The 2024-25 FAFSA has experienced delays as a result of updates from the FAFSA Simplification Act, which significantly overhauled the processes used to award federal student aid starting with the 2024–25 award year.
This overhaul included the FAFSA form, need analysis, plus many policies and procedures for schools that participate in federal student aid programs.
The new law affected every state that uses FAFSA data to award state grant aid and every school that participates in the federal student aid programs. Streamlining the FAFSA form created setbacks in the award processes for all federally funded institutions this year, including NMSU. Once the glitches have been fixed, this should not occur in the future.
When will NMSU package awards for the 2024-25 FAFSA?
New Mexico State University Office of Financial Aid & Scholarship Services is committed to processing and awarding students as soon as possible. We know that this information is important for you as you plan for the upcoming academic year.
What is the “Miscellaneous Document ” Tracking Requirement?
Students may have a new “Miscellaneous Document” tracking requirement on their account starting in the 2024-2025 school year. The tracking requirement is not actually a requirement that needs to be completed by every student. We recommend students use this option ONLY IF they need to provide any additional documentation for their Financial Aid Advisor to review. The upload link in the Miscellaneous Document tracking requirement provides a secure location for you to submit documents directly to your MyNMSU account that you may not otherwise be prompted to submit.
This requirement does not prevent you from receiving the financial aid you have been awarded or hold up any other processes in the Financial Aid Office.
Will my Federal Aid award package be similar to last year?
If your financial situation remains similar to last year, we expect that your award will also be similar. While awards are expected to be similar to last year, the FAFSA Simplification Act expanded Federal Pell Grant eligibility to more students and will link eligibility to family size and the federal poverty level starting with the 2024–25 award year.
If I have received a federal aid award at another school, will my NMSU award be the same?
Federal awards such as Pell grant and student loans will be consistent across institutions. Additional federal awards such as federal work-study or SEOG grant may vary by institution based on availability. State based awards, including state work-study and LEAP grant, may vary by institution.
Will I get the Pell Grant?
There is no separate application for the Federal Pell Grant. The FAFSA Processing System uses data provided by the applicant and contributors on the FAFSA form to calculate the Student Aid Index (SAI) and determine Pell Grant eligibility.
Federal Pell Grants are typically awarded to undergraduate students who display exceptional financial need, are making positive Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), and have not earned a bachelor’s, graduate, or professional degree.
The FAFSA confirmation communication sent from the Department of Education to confirm that your FAFSA is completed should include a statement on if you are expected to be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant or not.
Generally, if you are eligible, your Federal Pell Grant will be awarded for both Fall and Spring Semesters, but students may also qualify if they enroll in summer classes. Students that are enrolled in classes each term typically see their Federal Pell Grant pay onto their account at the beginning of every term they qualify for Pell. The Federal Pell Grant amount each term is determined by the number of credits a student is enrolled in for that term.
Will delays with FAFSA packaging affect my other Financial Aid?
Some financial aid has already been posted to your student account. This includes NMSU scholarships such as the Hadley Honors, Crimson Success, and 1888 Leadership as well the New Mexico Opportunity and New Mexico Legislative Lottery Scholarships. The delay in processing federal aid affects federal loans, grants, and work study awards.
What will happen after NMSU is able to package awards for the 2024-25 FAFSA?
After federal aid awards have been finalized, the following will happen.
- New and continuing students will receive an email to their NMSU email address telling them to check their financial aid page within their myNMSU account.
- New students will receive a text in addition to an email in case they are not monitoring their NMSU email at this time.
- Parents of new students will also receive an email stating that Financial Aid has been packaged.
- A letter will be mailed to new students at their home address.
Can I still complete my 2024-25 FAFSA?
Yes! The 2024-25 FAFSA is still open and can be completed at studentaid.gov
Additional information about the FAFSA can be found here.
Will Delays with the 2024-25 FAFSA affect my course registration for Fall 2024?
Delays with the 2024-25 FAFSA will not affect course registration for Fall 2024.
Will Delays with the 2024-25 FAFSA affect my on-campus housing reservation for Fall 2024?
Delays with the 2024-25 FAFSA will not affect on-campus housing reservations for Fall 2024.
How can I get help with my 2024-25 FAFSA if I have questions, am experiencing issues, or need assistance?
All NMSU students are assigned a Financial Aid Advisor that can assist with FAFSA related questions.
The Federal Student Aid Help Center can assist with account related issues and errors.
Our Partners at NMEAF offer free live virtual help for FAFSA questions on select Mondays from 3-6pm.
Are there other funding opportunities in addition to FAFSA?
Yes! NMSU students are eligible and encouraged to complete a Scholar Dollar$ application.
Students can also review the Private Scholarships page for additional opportunities.
How can I contact my Financial Aid Advisor?
Our Financial Aid Advisor Contact page has our advisors contact info. Advisors are assigned by the last two digits of the student Aggie ID number.
Financial Aid Advisors are available for assistance by email, phone, and Navigate appointment.
The Financial Aid office is open Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm and is located within the Educational Services Center on the NMSU main campus.
How can I keep up to date with the status of 2024-25 FAFSA awarding?
Each week beginning on 6/28/2024, the office of Financial Aid & Scholarship Services will be sending out an update via email to our current and future students.
A record of these communications can be found below:
