FAQs on Access, Disclosure, and Use of Federal Student Aid Data

Organization

Data Integration Support Center

Description

These frequently asked questions (FAQs) are designed to clarify the U.S. Department of Education’s (ED) recent guidance (GENERAL-24-129) on the access, disclosure, and use of Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) data by state grant agencies (SGAs) and institutions of higher education (IHEs).

Summary

The ED’s recent guidance was issued to support the application, awarding, and administration of student aid programs, this guidance has raised important questions across the postsecondary, K–12, and workforce sectors.

This document was updated in February 2026 to incorporate new information.

A supplement to this FAQ document addresses the distinctions between federal tax information (FTI) and other FAFSA data elements.