Starting with the 2024–2025 FAFSA, a new term called “Contributor” has been introduced. A Contributor is someone who is required to provide information on a student’s FAFSA form. This can include:
- The student.
- The student’s biological or adopted parents.
- The student’s spouse.
- The parent’s spouse.
It’s important to note that a Contributor does not include:
- A grandparent.
- Foster parents.
- Legal guardians.
- Brother or sister.
- Aunt or uncle.
Even if individuals from the above list helped provide for or raise the student, they are not considered Contributors for the FAFSA form.
It’s crucial to understand that having someone listed as a Contributor on the FAFSA form does not imply financial responsibility for the student’s education cost.
