Each year, more than 17 million students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, hoping to secure the financial support they need to afford college.
But this year, operational glitches and repeated delays in the U.S. Department of Education’s “Better FAFSA” rollout threaten to harm the very students and families that financial aid is intended to help.
Despite promises of an easier, more straightforward application process, students and families so far have been met with glitches and delays, and still today, there are entire groups of students blocked from even completing the form.
Students may not receive financial aid offers until April and are typically expected to make a decision about where to attend college by May 1.
Others may delay enrolling in college for another year, once the aid application process is running more smoothly.
Organizations:
Federal Student Aid, U.S . Department