Rocky FAFSA rollout leaves millions of students, families frustrated

For many students and families, financial aid is a lifeline for affording college tuition. However, this assistance has been difficult this year due to a new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Normally available on October 1, the 2024–25 FAFSA was soft-launched on December 30 after a significant delay, sparking concerns about its functionality.

Problems, including glitches, prolonged processing times, and limited availability, have plagued the new FAFSA. Higher education expert Mark Kantrowitz noted that the rushed implementation of the form may have contributed to these issues. Despite these challenges, over 1 million students and families have successfully filled out the new FAFSA, highlighting the critical importance of financial aid in pursuing higher education.

However, the delays in processing the FAFSA could ripple effect on college admissions. While colleges may still send out admission offers on time, families won’t know how much financial aid they will receive, making it difficult to determine if they can afford a particular college. This uncertainty could push back National College Decision Day on May 1, impacting the choices of admitted students and waitlisted candidates.

Given these challenges, students and families are advised not to get discouraged and to complete the FAFSA despite the setbacks. It remains a crucial step in accessing scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid that can significantly reduce the cost of college………[read more]

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How might delays in the FAFSA process impact colleges, students, and the broader economy, particularly regarding higher education affordability and accessibility?

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