College applicants have encountered problems during the “soft launch” of the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, leaving students and their families worried they will not receive financial aid packages in time to make informed college choices.
Topics: FAFSA
FAFSA simplification delays leave applicants, colleges on hold
A much-anticipated redesign of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) has delayed the form’s release this aid cycle, creating uncertainty for colleges, counselors, and families alike.
FAFSA completion rates edge closer to pre-pandemic levels
Free Application for Federal Student Aid completions were up 4.6% as of July 1 compared to last year—gains partly attributed to a rebound in FAFSA filings among low-income students and students of color.
Drop in FAFSA renewals shows lingering college retention problems
The number of FAFSA filings for 2022-23 fell by nearly 9% compared to a year ago, even as the number of new filings increased.
What happens when states mandate FAFSA completion?
Several states now require high school students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Their FAFSA filings have increased—but so have concerns about sapping scarce resources from other college-access efforts.
Pell Grants: Budget delay could disrupt aid offers; report shows $3.75B in unclaimed aid
The federal budget stalemate is creating uncertainty at a time when many colleges are preparing to issue financial aid award letters. A new report, meanwhile, drives home the implications when students don’t have a clear understanding of available aid.
Four ways to reduce the FAFSA verification burden
The federal government should make better use of existing data and limit which students are asked to verify the accuracy of information submitted in their Free Application for Federal Student Aid, a new report recommends.
FAFSA: Completions decline, verification temporarily relaxed
This month brought mixed FAFSA news, including a pronounced drop in completions among low-income students and students of color, and a temporary reprieve from verification.
Students from Black, Latine communities disproportionately selected for FAFSA verification
A new analysis shows that students in majority-Black and Latinx neighborhoods are asked to verify the accuracy of information submitted in their Free Application for Federal Student Aid far more often than students in majority-white communities.