FAFSA – New Timeline

Is the FAFSA Timeline Realistic?

FAFSA – Will the Department of Education Meet Its Timeline?

Earlier this month Federal Student Aid placed a FAFSA application processing timeline. 

It outlines the expected actions by the department, schools, and state agencies over the next two months.

FAFSA March 2024 Timeline

Based on the discussions with colleges and universities, the answer to the opening question is “No.”

As of 3:45 PM on Monday, March 18,  none of the schools we contacted via email or telephone reported receiving any ISIRs.

The schools we contacted include small, large, public, and private – one HBCU and one Ivy League. It is an across-the-board absence of data.

This does not mean that no schools have received ISIRs, but it does imply that the Department of Education (ED) has not met its reported targets.

This does not bode well for current or prospective college students.

This is a continuation of a troubling pattern for this year’s FAFSA.

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Categories: Financial Aid High School Seniors | College Students

FAFSA Processing Underway

FAFSA Processing Underway

Your March 15 FAFSA Update

At long last, we can report that student FAFSA processing is underway. Student files are being transmitted to colleges, universities, and state higher education agencies.

It will take a few more weeks for the Department of Education (ED) to reach the finish line.

FAFSA March 13 Update

As of this writing, there isn’t a known number of files transmitted, but the action plan calls for a continual increase until the backlog is cleared.

According to ED, support staff has been dispatched to many institutions to assist with the receiving and processing of student records. Webinars are also being conducted for receiving staff to update and train staff on recent changes.

The new FAFSA is a complete overhaul of the system/process. Last-minute adjustments are not unusual.

What’s Next?

If you haven’t filed your FAFSA, you should do it immediately. Your institutional and state aid (if applicable) may be lower if you file too late.

So far, there has been only one system pause on March 8, but others may follow.

Electronic filers will receive an email when their file has been processed.  It is unclear how paper filers will be notified.

Once the email is received, corrections can be made and students can view their Student Aid Index (SAI) calculation.

Previous filers that haven’t submitted a new application will also receive an email.

Students should start to receive their financial aid packages in April.

High school seniors and their families should set aside time, to carefully review and evaluate packages to determine the best option.

As new information is received, it will be posted at the top of this page.

You can read our previous FAFSA posts for background information.

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Categories: Financial Aid

The Class of 2028 Has Been Challenged from Beginning to End

Class of 2028 Challenged

A Long and Rocky Road for the Class of 2028

The class of 2028 had been challenged in ways no one could foresee.

First, you had to deal with the pandemic.

Now, you’re dealing with the fallout from the new FAFSA.

This too will pass.

Take pride in the fact that you’ve endured these challenges and look forward to less complicated times.

What’s the Current Status of FAFSA?

According to a report published yesterday, a few dozen colleges have received student FAFSA data.

Details are scant.

KEY QUESTIONS

How were these “small batch” schools selected?

Did the small batch schools include, small, large, public, private, etc. institutions?

Were the test schools able to successfully process the received student files?

Were there Department of Education reps on site to assist with data processing?

If so, when will the next batch go out and how large will it be?

If not, what tweaks need to be made and how long will it take?

Were files sent to state agencies?

Shortly before the referenced article was published the below image was posted on the FSA Twitter account.

FAFSA March Timeline

As of 3:49 AM this morning, FSA continues to issue EDconnect updates due to discovered performance issues.

Many questions remain unanswered and the clock is ticking, especially for high school seniors – the class of 2028.

The vagueness of these two items and the absence of an announcement of another planned pause is concerning.

How Should You Proceed?

This is a difficult question to answer because this has never happened before.

There isn’t any history to base advice on.

Here are some items to consider:

  • Don’t panic. It’s easier said than done, but it’s important.
    1. Decisions made under duress usually aren’t the best ones.
  • If you’ve been waiting until the situation settles down, file your FAFSA now.
    1. “Late” filers will be at the back of the line for processing, which could negatively impact your institutional and state aid.
  • If you haven’t heard from an admitting school regarding a commitment delay, call the office.
    1. If no extension is granted, is it in your best interest to leave this school on the list?
  • If all your admitting schools have granted an extension, note the date(s).
    1. Most schools moved to May 15 or June 1.
  • Once you receive your aid packages, carefully review and verify that you understand each offer.
    1. You do not have to accept an aid package in its entirety.
    2. Reject any part, especially loans that you don’t want or need.
    3. Taking on debt for an undergraduate degree rarely makes sense.
    4. If you need more aid to attend your preferred school, contact them to appeal.

If you want to learn about many of the underlying issues that caused the process to go off the rails, this article covers most of the salient points.

We will continue to post updates here and on the Education Unpacked YouTube channel.

 

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Categories: High School Seniors | College Students

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