when were fafsa guidelines determined?

Answer 1

When you say "FAFSA guidelines," do you mean
(a) the formula that the the Department of Education uses to determine your eligibility (i.e. the formula that produces your EFC when you file the FAFSA), or
(b) the laws/regulations that govern the Federal Student Aid (FSA) program?

If you're referring to the needs analysis formula (a.k.a. "federal methodology"), well, it changes a little big every year. But the first federal needs analysis formula came about in 1972, when the Basic Education Opportunity Grant (now known as the Pell Grant) was created. This formula was, arguably, the first incarnation of the federal methodology we use today. (But, again, it has changed alot -- don't think we've been using the same formula for 30 years...)

If you're referring to the Federal Student Aid program as a whole... The Higher Education Act of 1965 pretty much birthed most of the programs we have today and laid the groundwork for a lot of the new programs that have been created since. Every few years, the entire HEA is reauthorized -- that is, Congress makes changes to, eliminates, or adds formulas, programs, etc. There have been a lot of changes over the years, but it all began with this Act in '65.

Other big years for federal financial aid: 1986 (consolidation and professional judgment was created as well as numerous program and methodology changes) and 1992 (Direct Lending and Unsub Staffords were created; methodology was changed significantly).

In fact, this year saw A LOT of huge changes that we're only just beginning to adjust to... Stay tuned...

Answer 2

FAFSA guidelines are changed almost yearly. They are usually decided the year before the application year. They must change because our economy changes.