All articles tagged with #fafsa
The FAFSA for the 2026-27 school year has launched earlier than ever, with new features like faster verification and a new aid calculation formula using the Student Aid Index, aiming to streamline the application process and improve access to federal financial aid.
A survey reveals that only 4% of Gen Z students are fully funded for the upcoming academic year, with 90% unsure how they'll cover tuition costs. Delays in FAFSA processing, inflation, and high interest rates contribute to the financial uncertainty. Experts suggest completing FAFSA, considering less expensive education paths, applying for scholarships year-round, working part-time, and contacting financial aid offices for additional support.
The rollout of the new FAFSA form by the Education Department faced significant delays and technical issues, disproportionately affecting low-income students who rely heavily on financial aid for college. An analysis revealed a sharper decline in processed applications from schools with high percentages of economically disadvantaged students compared to high-income schools. Despite efforts to address the issues, the initial impact has raised concerns about widening equity gaps in college access and enrollment.
The Education Department is conducting a comprehensive review of its Federal Student Aid office following significant delays and errors in the rollout of the revamped FAFSA form. Secretary Miguel Cardona announced leadership changes, the hiring of IT experts, and the involvement of the Boston Consulting Group to recommend improvements. The department aims to enhance oversight, accountability, and operational efficiency to better serve students and educators.
The redesigned FAFSA form aims to simplify the financial aid process for college students, but ongoing delays and technical glitches have caused tumultuous rollout. Updates to the FAFSA formula are expected to provide more financial assistance to students from low- and moderate-income households, but the Education Department has received fewer submissions than the previous year, with some students still struggling to complete the form. These issues are causing delays in colleges providing financial aid packages, and the department has issued notices to address the problems.
Problems with the new FAFSA form have caused major delays in getting applicants’ correct information to schools, leaving most high school seniors unsure of how much college will cost them next school year and making it difficult to decide where to enroll by the typical May 1 deadline. The botched rollout and glitches in the new application are causing stress and uncertainty for students and families, potentially preventing some low-income students from enrolling at a college this fall.
Students in San Antonio are facing hurdles in submitting their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) due to glitches in the new application system, particularly impacting those whose parents don't have social security numbers. This issue is especially significant in a city with a high population of Latino students. Officials are working on solutions, including a workaround for applicants without parental social security numbers, and advise students to seek assistance from the Student Aid Website or their school's financial aid office.
College enrollment is on the rise for the first time since the pandemic began, with more undergraduates enrolling and applications increasing. However, the chaotic rollout of the new FAFSA has caused massive delays, potentially erasing these gains. The FAFSA complications could make college unaffordable for many, particularly low-income students, and enrollment-dependent institutions are vulnerable. The Department of Education is under pressure to fix these errors quickly, as the future of higher education enrollment hangs in the balance.
President Biden is hosting a trilateral meeting with Japan and the Philippines to discuss shared values and alliance strengthening, while changes to the FAFSA form have led to delays and errors, potentially impacting college enrollment. European Union lawmakers have passed a new package of laws aimed at changing the EU's migration and asylum policies, and next Monday is Tax Day in the US. Additionally, Rwanda marks the 30th anniversary of the genocide, and an Oklahoma family is taking care of an octopus and its babies after realizing their pet was pregnant.
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.
The House higher education subcommittee held a hearing to scrutinize the botched launch of the new FAFSA, which has caused disruptions and shaken confidence in the Education Department. Lawmakers expressed frustration with the Biden administration's handling of the FAFSA, and witnesses gave critical testimony, grading the roll-out poorly. The hearing highlighted bipartisan frustration with the FAFSA roll-out, with Republicans calling for more oversight and Democrats emphasizing the need to support students. The Education Department shared new data about issues with the FAFSA launch and outlined plans to address the problems.
The Department of Education is providing technical updates on timelines for student corrections and reprocessing of FAFSA forms for the 2024-25 academic year. They have identified errors affecting FAFSA processing and are working to make corrections available to students early next week. Approximately 16% of FAFSA applications require student corrections, with the majority involving missing signatures and consent for tax information. Additionally, about 30% of FAFSA forms are potentially affected by known processing or data errors, and the Department plans to reprocess these records to ensure accurate financial aid eligibility. Schools and states are advised to use their judgment in making financial aid offers based on the original or reprocessed ISIRs. The Department will provide data to assist schools in identifying affected records and will continue to communicate updates as they work to resolve these issues.
Israel has reduced the number of ground troops in the southern Gaza Strip following the conclusion of its operation in Khan Younis, while facing international isolation and criticism for its approach to protecting Palestinian civilians. South Carolina won the NCAA women's basketball championship, ending the college career of star player Caitlin Clark. The FAA is investigating incidents involving malfunctioning equipment on Southwest Airlines flights. Glitches and formula errors in the FAFSA system are causing delays for college students, forcing some to make tough decisions without knowing their aid amounts. A total solar eclipse will be visible in 15 U.S. states, while a former New Jersey police officer plans to sue for discrimination.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) has been plagued by glitches and delays, causing distress for millions of students and families as they await crucial financial aid information for college. Many students have been forced to make difficult decisions, such as committing to less expensive schools, cutting back on retirement savings, or opting for community college due to the uncertainty surrounding their financial aid packages. The Department of Education is working to clear the backlog, but the delays have left many families feeling anxious and uncertain about how to fund higher education.
The college financial aid process has been marred by delays and glitches this year due to a botched bureaucratic upgrade, leaving students and colleges in limbo. The Biden administration's efforts to forgive student loans contrast with the struggles to provide timely financial aid, potentially forcing students to take on more debt. The FAFSA problems have led to delays in aid letters, creating uncertainty for students trying to decide where to enroll. The complex financial aid system and the growing student debt issue underscore the need for transparency and potential reforms in college affordability.