Another Unforced Error by the Department of Education

Image 37 Financial Aid
Department of Education Unforced Error

Department of Education Unforced Error #???

Just when you thought the Department of Education (ED) had made as many missteps as possible, they committed another unforced error.

This time it’s not an error that will impact the speed with which FAFSA applications are processed.

It’s still a head-scratching move.

Recently, the homepage of the Federal Student Aid (FSA) website was updated.

This is how it looked before.

FSA-Homepage

This is what’s there now.

FSA-Student-Loan-Forgiveness

Why is this an unforced error?

Because ED has faced significant criticism for focusing on student debt relief at the expense of the new FAFSA.

Earlier this week, during an Education and Welfare Committee hearing, Chair Virginia Foxx, called for ED Secretary, Miguel Cordona to resign.

This was not her first directive.

On the same day, while combing social media for indicators of the current state of FAFSA, we found these tweets.

FAFSA-Issues-May-2024

FSA-FAFSA-Advice-

Clearly, there are lingering issues with the application.

Why not paint red concentric circles on Mr. Cordona’s forehead?

The image on the homepage will not fix the situation but the presence of student loan forgiveness gives the appearance of it being the priority.

It’s not a good look.

Those seeking loan relief should have access to the information they need but it shouldn’t be prominent on the FSA homepage until all FAFSA issues are resolved.

Leadership Change at FSA

If you haven’t heard, it was announced last Friday, that the FSA COO, Richard Cordray will be leaving his post at the end of June.

In a year that has seen tactical and technical mistakes, now is not the time to invite more disapproval.

While several colleges and universities extended their deposit/commitment dates, many did not.

Few students have received their financial aid packages.

The target date offered by most institutions and states is the end of May.

This has forced many college-bound high school students to make their decisions without a complete financial picture.

An untenable position.

The goal of the FAFSA Simplification Act was to streamline the process and make financial aid available to more students.

The problem riddle rollout created a situation contrary to those goals.

Although there appears to be an uptick in applications, the overall number is down compared to previous years.

It is too late to salvage this year.

Let’s hope the 2025-26 FAFSA application season opens on time and without significant issues, but this seems to be in doubt.

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