SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Each year, millions of high school seniors and college students rush to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The process is known for being tedious, with several documents needed, and financial information from parents. But this year, students may get a little relief. The application has been changed in several ways to hopefully make the process easier. 

The first change is with tax documents. Instead of manually inserting numbers from the previous years' forms, you can now transfer your data exactly from the IRS. 

In addition, the number of questions on the FAFSA has dropped, meaning the process should be quicker. However, local admissions experts say, the process will be different for everyone. 

"What we are hearing from folks who have done the new application is that it has been an easier process," said Laci Engelbrecht, Director of Financial Aid at the University of Illinois Springfield. "There's less questions on it and that is the goal of the new application."

Engelbrecht said more people are expected to receive federal aid this year, so numbers may change from previous aid years. One aspect of the application that may impact students this year is that the additional aid is not granted for having other family members in college. 

Everyone is encouraged to fill out the application and if you have questions, you can call the university you are applying to. Additionally, the Springfield Urban League has several events to help students complete the forms. 

"For the people who think college is impossible, filling this form out is going to make college possible and help you achieve your career and educational goals," said Victoria Jones, a Financial Coach with the Springfield Urban League. "So it's gonna be really helpful to get that done and be open for the Federal Pell Grant, MAP grant, and student loans."

The FAFSA form can be located here.

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