Ohio Universities Comment on Effect of FAFSA Changes

Source: https://www.nbc4i.com/news

The recent changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) aimed to simplify the process and broaden access to federal aid. However, the implementation has led to significant uncertainty among students planning for college. Michael Miranda from I Know I Can highlighted that financial aid and the timely receipt of financial aid letters are critical factors influencing students’ decisions on which college to attend.

Key Highlight:

• The U.S. Department of Education delayed releasing FAFSA application information for the 2024/25 academic year until March, prompting many colleges and universities to extend their enrollment deadlines. Michael Miranda suggested that this delay, alongside the entire process timeline, may have contributed to a slight decline in college enrollment. However, Columbus State Community College noted that while it initially slowed admissions and financial aid awards, operations have since resumed, and they anticipate a modest increase in enrolled students compared to the previous year for the upcoming Autumn Semester.
• Otterbein University experienced delays in sending out financial aid award packets, but Mark Moffitt, the executive director of admission, emphasized that they kept families informed about the process. They continue to assist families with submitting and correcting FAFSA applications and understanding financial aid awards at Otterbein. Despite the initial challenges, Otterbein has seen a significant increase of 12% in enrolled students compared to the previous year at this point in time.
• Cedarville University faced significant delays in issuing financial aid awards, with the process starting much later than usual, not until mid to late April instead of mid-January. Despite this delay, their projected enrollment remains strong.
• The Ohio State University experienced a record number of applicants. To accommodate prospective students and families during the delay in FAFSA processing, the university adjusted some spring deadlines, aiming to provide flexibility in the enrollment process.
• Ohio’s FAFSA completion rates this year are higher than the national average but are still 6% lower compared to last year’s rates, according to the Ohio Department of Higher Education. Despite the decrease, there’s still time for students planning to start college in the fall to complete the FAFSA application, emphasized Michael Miranda.

Read More: https://ohio.childreninfobank.com/safebank/ohio-universities-comment-on-effect-of-fafsa-changes/

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