Thousands of students could lose FAFSA college aid (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), because, although they have completed the form, they have not submitted it.
According to experts, this situation is the result of the delay in launching the new system to apply for the FAFSA for the 2024-2025 calendar year, and the different problems presented, which impacted students from mixed-status families the most.
Although the situation was partially resolved in March, organizations such as the College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC), are urging students to finish the process so as not to lose this college aid.
“We are seeing that there is a higher percentage of new students who have completed the FAFSA, but have not submitted it. Many of the new students who are starting the FAFSA have already done their part by filling out the form, but parents need to do their part, and there is still time,” he told Enlace Latino NC, Juana Hernández-Lira, from the CFNC.
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Verify if the application was submitted and is in process
The official explained that, in the case of mixed status families, where the parents do not have a Social Security number, the automated system does not work for them, so they must enter the information manually.
“So many times, they are not sure if they answered all the questions correctly, so they prefer to wait for someone to verify it with them, like their children, an academic advisor, or someone they trust in their community.” This was what Hernández-Lira explained.
What is intended so that students are not left without the FAFSA, is that they enter their application again and verify that they have submitted it.
“The way to know that they have submitted it is to say that the application is 'submitted' or that it is in process. If it is in process it is because it has already been submitted and the universities have already received the information and are processing it. So, what we want is for them to enter the application as soon as possible and complete it as soon as possible,” said Hernández-Lira.
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Be aware of FAFSA emails and messages
Students who have submitted the FAFSA should also keep an eye on their email and messages in case corrections or more information are requested.
“Many think that by completing the FAFSA, everything is ready to receive aid. But the reality is that it is the first step, because there is a verification process, in which they can ask for more information, such as proof of the parents' income,” the official noted.
FAFSA applications down 23.8% for new academic year
According to Hernandez-Lira, it has been an incredibly difficult year for high school seniors, in terms of applying for this financial aid.
“We have seen that at the state level there is an impact due to the delay in the launch of the new FAFSA system, and the many problems with it. As of April 26, 35,933 senior high school students have completed the FAFSA, this is 11,416 less than last year when 47,350 applied,” the official said.
According to the CFNC, when asked why students have not completed the FAFSA, 23% of students said they did not have enough information, 34% of these students are Hispanic, and 24% are African American, while 18% are white. .
Overall, completed FAFSA applications in North Carolina dropped 23.8% this year.
“Hispanic students feel like they don't have enough information to complete the FAFSA, or they didn't know they were eligible. However, these disparities have existed, and are not due to changes. However, changes in the system make it more difficult for students to complete the process,” indicates the CFNC.
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They offer help to students to complete the FAFSA
Due to this unique FAFSA application situation that occurred this year, it is clear that students need more support this summer to complete the process.
For this reason, the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA) has partnered with educational organizations such as CFNC and other entities to provide additional support to students this summer.
“The state has several initiatives this summer to help students, and is providing funds to organizations or individuals with experience completing the FAFSA. The aid is for students who are already in colleges and universities, or those who are just graduating from high school,” said Hernández-Lira.
The official said that, due to the situation, many universities and community colleges have extended the deadline to submit the FAFSA, but in some the deadline may have already passed.
“It is important that you review the deadlines with your college or university. However, if they do not complete their FAFSA on time, they can still receive federal and state aid, but they will not be able to take advantage of the grants that educational institutions offer,” he explained.
Where to get help filling out the FAFSA
According to Hernández-Lira, the state will be disclosing a list of organizations, entities and people that can provide support to students with their FAFSA application, and organizations such as the CFNC can provide it.
In addition, he mentioned, students can also go to the financial aid offices of each educational institution, since most have someone dedicated to the FAFSA application.
Who can apply for the FAFSA
- An American citizen or an eligible non-citizen
- US permanent resident
- US National Person
- You have a proof of arrival or departure record (I-94) from Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which says:
- Refugee
- Asylum granted
- Cuban or Haitian immigrant
- conditional immigrant
- Person admitted to probation
- You are the holder of a Type T Visa or one of your parents has a Type T-1 Visa
- He is an “authorized alien/battered immigrant” (VAWA)
- You are a citizen of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands or the Republic of Palau.
*must present documentation
additional aid
Students are also encouraged to apply for Next NC Scholarship, which is mixed aid from the state and federal government, provided to low-income students whose families earn less than $80,000 a year.
Students can receive up to $3,000 to attend community college, and up to $5,000 to pursue a four-year college.
The deadline to apply for this scholarship is August 15. Students who are eligible for the FAFSA are also eligible for the Next NC Scholarship.
Where to request more information
Students and their families can contact the College Foundation of North Carolina to obtain information on an organization, entity or person that can provide them with the advice they need to complete and submit the FAFSA application, as well as to obtain information on scholarships and other aid. to pay for college, even if you are not eligible for FAFSA.
You can call: 1-866-866-2362
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