Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completions are down 6.1% from this time last year, according to NCAN’s #FormYourFuture FAFSA Tracker. At Title I eligible high schools and high-minority
high schools, FAFSA completions are down 8.6% and 10.4%, respectively.
A recent report from the consulting firm EAB has found that COVID-19 has affected how students and families interact with financial aid resources. Sadly, these findings suggest
that students who are first-generation and from low-income backgrounds are most impacted.
In the spring of 2021, EAB surveyed over 15,000 high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors from across the U.S. about their college-going aspirations.
The survey’s sample included 20% first-generation respondents, 22% from households earning $60,000 or less annually, and 43% non-White respondents. Geographically, the sample was evenly distributed.
Results suggest that first-generation students and students from low-income backgrounds in particular often do not apply for financial aid, because they feel they would not qualify.
When this demographic of students completes the FAFSA, they are doing so on their own or with limited help. Over 30% indicated that FAFSA completion was difficult, citing a “lack of parental support, difficulty acquiring tax information, confusing questions,
income changes, and citizenship status as barriers in completing the FAFSA.”
These results highlight the ongoing need for the kinds of financial aid support provided by NCAN members across the country. NCAN previously highlighted some of these efforts on our blog.
EAB offers three recommendations for key steps that schools and colleges can take to support these students.
First, EAB’s financial aid optimization team recommends that schools clearly and proactively communicate information about the financial aid process. “Be clear with students, parents, and counselors about what things should not prevent a student from
filing,” they suggest. It is especially important that schools relay accurate information to families who have lost income and to students and parents who may be undocumented.
Second, EAB urges schools and colleges to make sure students know that it is okay to receive FAFSA completion assistance from their college or university.
Finally, EAB recommends meeting students where they are physically and in terms of the financial aid process.
For additional information on how to increase FAFSA completion, consult NCAN’s FAFSA Resource Library.
Email to a Friend