Class of 2025 Graduation Requirement–Fill out your FAFSA!

This year, a new state law requires all graduating students in the class of 2025 through 2027 to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application (NJAFAA) in order to receive a diploma. All families MUST log in to the Genesis Parent Portal to complete the form acknowledging that you have been informed of this graduation requirement, and to indicate which option you will choose.

Why was this made a requirement?

Completing the FAFSA will help make families aware of the many state and federal resources available that can make a college education more affordable. Without filling out important applications, students could unknowingly be leaving money on the table that could have enabled them to pursue higher education. The FAFSA gives students access to the largest source of financial aid to pay for college or vocational school. Each year, more than $150 billion in grants, loans, and work-study funds are provided by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Federal Student Aid to help pay for college or career schools! By completing the FAFSA, students can be considered for federal financial aid, including Pell grants, work-study programs, and loans. In addition, many states and colleges, as well as some private financial aid providers, use FAFSA information to determine students’ eligibility for aid.

What does federal student aid pay for?

Federal student aid from the Department of Education covers such expenses as tuition and fees, housing and food, books and supplies, and transportation. Aid can also help pay for other related expenses, such as a computer and dependent care. Thousands of schools across the country also participate in the federal student aid programs, so be sure to ask the schools you’re interested in whether they do!

What is NJAFAA?

Students who are NJ residents but do not meet the requirements for FAFSA, may consider the NJAFAA as an option. The NJAFAA enables students to receive state financial assistance to support their post-secondary college and career goals.

Complete the NJAFAA application if you are not a United States citizen or eligible noncitizen and meet all of the following criteria:

• Attended a New Jersey high school for at least three (3) years
• Graduated from a New Jersey high school or received the equivalent of a high school diploma in New Jersey
• Registered for Selective Service (male students only)
• Are able to file an affidavit stating that you have filed an application to legalize your immigration status or will file an application as soon as you are eligible to do so

Can I choose not to complete the FAFSA because I am entering the workforce, military, or for other reasons?

All families have the right to waive the requirement to complete the FAFSA. If you decide to waive this requirement, parents must indicate this choice in the Acknowledgment and Waiver Form located in the Genesis Parent Portal.

How and when do I apply?

The 2025-2026 FAFSA will be available on December 1, 2024. To apply, simply click on the link below to visit the official government site. Remember, the FAFSA is a FREE form, so don't visit unofficial sites that require payment. 

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form.

Want quick answers to the most common questions about FAFSA?
These brief, informative videos clearly explain the FAFSA, and provide the steps you need to follow to apply:

More information can be found at https://studentaid.gov/