Financial Aid

Federal Student Aid : FAFSA Simplification

FAFSA Simplification and Changes 2024-2025

The FAFSA Simplification Act impacts the 2024-25 FAFSA form, federal need analysis, and requires modification of policies and procedures for schools that participate in federal student aid programs. The FAFSA will be streamlined with fewer questions and new terminology will be added. A Student Aid Index (SAI) replaces the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and expands Pell Grant eligibility and a reduction in verification. Tax information will populate the FAFSA with a Direct Data Exchange (FA-DDX) of federal tax information (FTI) and replaces the Data Retrieval Tool (DRT). The FSA ID will still be used to electronically sign a completed FAFSA. The 2024-25 FAFSA will be available in December 2023 (for this year only).

What Can You Do Now?

Complete the CSS Profile Application for 2024-25
Review other items needed to apply for financial aid as a first-year or renewal applicant.
Apply for an FSA ID - Beginning with the 2024–25 FAFSA®, all contributors (student, student's spouse, and/or parent) must have their own FSA ID.

The Office of Financial Aid is in B-5 Converse Hall.

Converse Hall seen through autumn leaves

View Converse Hall on campus map

We are excited to see you and to assist you with your financial aid needs and questions!

Stop by our office and say hello in person.
Phone us at 413-542-2296. A staff member will answer your call during business hours.
Email us and we will reply to you as soon as possible.
Current students can schedule an appointment to speak with an Office of Financial Aid team member.
Prospective students can register for a Financial Aid Information Session with a dean - either on campus or virtually. Information sessions will reconvene in February 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions

Check our FAQ for answers to questions about contacting us, how to view your financial aid information, student employment, and more.

FAQ

Financial Aid at Amherst

“The most rewarding part of the work that we get to do is to provide the resources that truly make an Amherst education affordable.” —Gail Holt, Dean of Financial Aid

Noteworthy News

December 8, 2023

Early Decision Release Date

Financial Aid offers for admitted Early Decision students will be released Friday, December 8 shortly after Admission decisions are released. Details on your 2024-25 financial aid offer can be found on the Financial Aid Portal.

Financial Aid Portal

December 4, 2023

QuestBridge Match Release Date

Financial Aid offers for admitted QuestBridge Match students were released Friday, December 4 . Details on your 2024-25 financial aid offer can be found on the Financial Aid Portal.

Financial Aid Portal

February 9, 2024

January Review

Students and their families who have requested a January Review may do so until February 9, 2024.

January Review

November 30, 2023

Spring 2024 Transfer Release Date

Financial aid offers for admitted Spring 2024 transfer students have been released. Details are available on the Financial Aid Portal.

The Financial Aid Portal

October 2, 2023

2024-2025 Profile Available

Students applying for financial aid for 2024-2025 can complete the Profile form as of October 1, 2023. The FAFSA form will not be available until late December 2023. Current students and prospective students should complete the Profile and submit required documents. Awarded students will need to complete the FAFSA form once it is available. The completeness of your financial aid application can be checked on the Financial Aid Portal.

Applying For Financial Aid 2024-25

September 4, 2023

Financial Aid Enhancements

Your financial aid package is just the first piece of support that Amherst College provides. We offer a number of resources that support students throughout their college experience. Look through our financial aid enhancements to see if you qualify.

Available Funds

We Can Do This, Together

We have awarded nearly $80 million in Amherst scholarships this year. That’s money dedicated solely to meeting the financial need of our students.

Students leave Amherst with an extraordinary education, a long list of exceptional accomplishments, and the freedom to build their future without the burden of student loan debt. More than 75% of Amherst graduates in the Class of 2023 graduated with no student loan debt.

This approach makes us distinctive. We are proud to say it also makes us a leader. Only a few colleges in the country can say what we can about financial aid:

Nearly 60% of our students receive financial aid. Our average financial aid offer last year was more than $66,000. So the majority of our students pay less—often far less—than the cost of attendance.”
—Gail Holt, Dean of Financial Aid