Students are tense as FAFSA still struggles to release aid packages before enrollment deadlines.

Colleges are facing extreme pressure as students still aren’t receiving their aid packages from FAFSA (known as Free Application for Federal Student Aid) along with their acceptance packages. Faculty across all institutions have been struggling with the new changes that rolled out in the “new and improved” FAFSA application, soft launched in late December 2023. The new application was meant to be faster and more universal. However, many feel it’s done quite the opposite. Due to the new application, there is a decrease in applicants.  students continue to  struggle to complete or correct forms after many security breaches and technical glitches. Students are in a panic, as they’re currently unable to plan their attendance, as they are unaware of how much aid they will receive before committing to any acceptances. This delay hinders student’s ability to commit, with many backing out of their acceptances due to their fear of being unable to afford their degree.

All Financial Aid departments aim to ease student’s anxieties by offering support, such as later financial aid deadlines, or even their own FAFSA aid generators that can project estimated amounts for students, as institutions await the release of FAFSA applications. Does this deter students from applying  for aid? This reporter got to chat with the SMCC Financial Aid office to get their perspective on the situation and how their offices are handling the glitches and delays that come from FAFSA themselves.