FAFSA Chaos Sparks Delays and Dismay in Student Aid Process

College financial aid officials criticize the Education Department over ongoing delays in processing FAFSA forms, warning that grant and loan offers will be delayed until May, impacting students' decisions. At least 30% of FAFSA forms submitted this year may contain errors, and the botched overhaul of the application process has caused bureaucratic limbo for millions. Bipartisan frustration is growing, with lawmakers demanding accountability from the Education Department and the contractor responsible for the FAFSA refresh. The delays have forced households to make tough decisions, and completion rates are down 40%, affecting 18 million students.