Coalition Recommends Key Action Steps to Mitigate Harm to Students if FAFSA is Delayed

By Catherine Brown, Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy and Matthew Odom, Communications Manager

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Note: Since this article was published, FSA has announced that the launch date of the new Better FAFSA will be delayed until December 2023.

On March 13, the National College Attainment Network (NCAN), in conjunction with the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, Illinois Student Assistance Commission, National Association of State Student Grant & Aid Programs, National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA), National Council for Community and Education Partnerships, SchoolHouse Connection, and State Higher Education Executive Officers Association, sent a letter to Federal Student Aid (FSA) Chief Operating Officer Richard Cordray detailing recommendations to mitigate potential harm to students in the event of a delayed launch of the FAFSA.

The letter reads, in part:

“We understand, based on recent public comments by FSA officials, that the release of the ‘24/’25 FAFSA form may be delayed beyond October 1, the traditional launch date, and instead go live sometime in Q4, which extends to December 31 of 2023. We write to offer recommendations to mitigate potential harm to students in the event of a delayed launch.

Because the formula and process for applying for federal student aid is changing significantly, we anticipate that students and those who support students in completing the FAFSA will have a lot of questions about the process. A delayed release date could compound that confusion and result in a decline in applicants for federal student aid. We want to work with you to avoid that scenario. We stand ready to communicate key information and demystify the new process among students and families. The tools, resources, and actions listed below will make it possible for us to prepare the field, align key stakeholders, and prepare students to be ready as soon as the form is.”

The letter recommended that FSA take the following actions: 

• Commit to a specific release date by May 1, 2023.
• Release a Pell Grant lookup table by May 1, 2023.
• Send the final technical specifications to states and vendors at least eight months in advance of release.
• Launch a communications plan with messages about the delay for students, families, and other key stakeholders by July 1, 2023.
• Produce training materials, including screen shots, by July 1, 2023.
• Implement the new process for obtaining an FSA ID by July 1, 2023. 

Read entire letter here.

NCAN has expressed concern in the past regarding the Better FAFSA release date. Back in January, we sent a letter with NASFAA to Biden Administration officials asking them to confirm the timeline. While the release date remains unclear, what is clear is that FSA is under significant time constraints. They intend to announce a firm opening date later this spring.

In the meantime, NCAN suggests that our members begin contingency planning for a delayed opening date. What will your FAFSA completions supports and services for students and families look like this fall if the FAFSA doesn’t open when expected? How quickly can programs, agencies, and institutions modify their timelines and processes? What would a delayed opening mean for training staff to complete the significantly revised Better FAFSA? These are all things to consider when preparing for a potential delayed opening.

NCAN is committed to keeping our members informed about the potential change to the FAFSA opening date as well as prepare you for the changes that come with the Better FAFSA. Stay tuned as we continue to report critical information to our members as quickly as we get it.

Read More:

• Will the 2024-25 FAFSA Open on October 1? Plan Now for Potential Delays
  
• NCAN and NASFAA Request Confirmation on the Release Date for the Simplified FAFSA
  
• How Will NCAN Help You Get Ready for the New Better FAFSA?