Bricelyn Harrelson, a high school senior from Florida, found herself applying to colleges for six months due to ongoing issues with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). These glitches have caused delays in the application process for millions of students like Harrelson. The uncertainty surrounding FAFSA has left many students and families in a difficult position as they wait for information on their financial aid packages, which in turn affects their decision-making process for selecting a college.
Kelly Gainor, a parent from New York, had to adjust her financial plans by cutting back on retirement savings to save money for her daughter’s college tuition. Without knowing the amount of federal aid her daughter will receive, Gainor and her husband have been left unsure about how to cover the costs of tuition, potentially needing to take out loans to make up the difference. The stress of not having clear financial information has added a new level of uncertainty for families like the Gainors.
The Department of Education has been working to clear a backlog of FAFSA forms since mid-March, but many students and families are still waiting for information on their financial aid packages. This delay has forced some families to make tough decisions, such as adjusting their financial plans, pushing back decision deadlines for colleges, and even choosing to attend state schools rather than private universities due to affordability concerns. The financial uncertainty surrounding FAFSA has led to added stress and anxiety for families navigating the college application process.
Some families, like the Alvarados from Kansas, have had to plan for potential financial fallout when it comes to college expenses. Despite not knowing the full extent of the aid package their son will receive, they have already committed to a university to secure his spot on the soccer team. The uncertainty surrounding finances has led to difficult decisions for many families, who are left balancing the desire to support their children’s educational goals with financial constraints.
Olivia Maynard Payne, a student from Florida, had to commit to her last-choice school due to financial constraints caused by FAFSA delays. While she was accepted to pricier private colleges with merit scholarships, the uncertainty surrounding federal aid prevented her from considering these options. Instead, she opted for a state school that offered a full ride through Florida’s Bright Futures program. The ongoing FAFSA issues have forced many families to settle for more affordable options rather than pursue their preferred choices.
Sherri Schendzielos, a mother from Minnesota, has four children currently in or applying to college. Despite submitting FAFSA forms for each child, her family has not received any financial aid packages, leaving them in limbo. This uncertainty has led one of her sons to opt for community college over a four-year university due to financial concerns. The lack of financial information has put added pressure on families like the Schendzielos, who rely on student loans and grants to make higher education possible for their children.
