New FAFSA launches after a long delay — but with ‘some minor issues,’ Education Department says

A simplified Free Application for Federal Student Aid is finally online after a significant delay.

However, as part of a “soft launch,” the new FAFSA form has only been periodically available. It’s likely few, if any, of the millions of students applying to college for the 2024-25 academic year have been able to successfully submit an application, according to higher education expert Mark Kantrowitz.