Cardona sends FAFSA recommendations to states as applications lag amid multiple problems

Education Secretary Miguel Cardona sent a letter to governors Tuesday outlining recommendations to increase the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and reduce stress for students during the process.

The rollout of the new FAFSA has had a bumpy road, from a delayed start in January to miscalculations on 200,000 forms recently sent to colleges.

“Today I would like to a) share additional steps the Department has taken to support students, families, and institutions during this unprecedented transition period, and b) help students complete their education in 2024-25. We wrote the letter with the purpose of outlining steps that states can take to encourage: Improve the FAFSA and assist state higher education institutions as they prepare financial aid packages. ” Cardona said in the letter.

Citing delays and complications with the FAFSA, the department has made five recommendations to governors.

Cardona is asking the governor to adjust the state’s financial aid schedule and force universities to delay institutional decisions. Countries also need to ensure that their institutions have the funding and support to complete their work in a timely manner.

Finally, the Department wants states to work closely with K-12 systems to reach as many high school students as possible and encourage them to complete the FAFSA form.

“I know you are committed to helping students achieve their dreams, expand economic mobility, and access college and career paths that help meet the workforce needs of our state and our nation. I know,” Cardona said. “Together, we will deliver a better FAFSA and transform student financial aid for generations to come.”

Currently, more than 6.3 million FAFSA applications have been submitted to the Department. A typical FAFSA cycle ends when approximately 17 million applications have been completed.

However, this cycle is not typical, with applications being received three months later than usual and schools not receiving financial aid information until March. Experts are unsure whether the department will reach the average number of completed forms this year.

Several universities have already delayed decision deadlines due to the restriction that students receive offer letters several weeks in advance in early May. It is usually held on May 1st.