When you file tax returns, “the government already has your financial information,” she added. “It’s really difficult to understand the reasons.”
Here are some questions and answers about the FAFSA and student financing:
Which States Have Universal FAFSA Guidelines?
In addition to Louisiana, where the policy remains in place for this year's graduating class, at least six other states have a graduation-tied requirement: Illinois, Alabama, Texas, California, Indiana and New Hampshire, according to the Attainment Network. Four states — Connecticut, Nebraska, New Jersey and Oklahoma — plan to require it starting in the 2025 class, and Kansas is scheduled to begin requiring it in 2028.
In New York, the budget just approved by the Legislature includes a plan to require school districts to ensure that all students complete federal or state financial aid forms or sign a waiver declaring that they are “informed about available aid, but decide not to take advantage of it.” “said a press release from Governor Kathy Hochul's office. (School districts will enforce the rule. If students do not complete the application or opt out, they can still graduate.) The policy goes into effect in August for the Class of 2025.
What are the financial aid packages for high school graduates looking like this year?
Because of the botched FAFSA update, many students and families are still waiting for official financial aid offers, even as the traditional May 1 college admission deadline approaches. A survey of members of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators this month found that fewer than half of colleges had sent aid offers to some or all accepted students and that 44 percent had not begun writing offers at all. Some schools have extended their commitment periods to give students time to consider offers.
How much does it cost to attend college?
The unrest surrounding the FAFSA comes amid growing concerns about student debt and the cost of attending college. The average published or “sticker price” for tuition, fees, room and board at a four-year private college was $56,190 for the 2023-24 school year, compared to about $24,000 for an in-state student at a public college. according to the College Board. The published cost for a year will soon reach $100,000 at some private colleges, although most students don't pay the full price because of financial aid and discounts.