Students reviewing FAFSA financial aid documents on a college campus

Decoding the 2026 FAFSA: 5 Key Changes Affecting Over 1 Million Students

The 2026 FAFSA is undergoing major revisions set to impact over a million students. This guide breaks down the five most crucial changes, from the new SAI calculation to expanded Pell Grant eligibility, helping you navigate the updated financial aid landscape.
College students studying and discussing financial aid forms in a library, symbolizing Pell Grant eligibility and financial impact for 2025-2026.

Pell Grant Eligibility 2025-2026: New Rules & Financial Impact

The 2025-2026 academic year introduces significant changes to Pell Grant eligibility, primarily driven by FAFSA Simplification, impacting how federal student aid is calculated and distributed to millions of students.