By Bill DeBaun, Senior Director, Data and Strategic Initiatives
Reading time: Three minutes
In a novel legislative move, Alaska recently considered a law that would hopefully encourage Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion among students - a “FAFSA raffle.” In recent years, and especially the current one, states have tried
all kinds of approaches to get more students to complete the FAFSA, but this initiative would employ a financial incentive not seen in other states. The legislation failed to pass in Alaska’s last legislative session, but the idea is still interesting
enough to consider.
The legislation specifically would have amended the state’s gambling definitions to exclude certain activities, thereby clarifying what constitutes legal and illegal gambling.
More importantly, it would have carved out an account in the state’s general fund for the “FAFSA Raffle Fund.” This fund would have been managed by the Commissioner of Education and Early Development.
Students who submit their FAFSA during the designated filing period would be automatically entered into the FAFSA raffle. The raffle would feature monthly draws of $1,000, culminating in an annual drawing where five students could have each won $10,000.
Under the proposed legislation, a student may not win more than one monthly prize, but monthly prize winners would be eligible to win the $10,000 award.
The FAFSA raffle legislation is designed with dual goals in mind: first, to prompt students to submit their FAFSA applications in a timely manner, thereby maximizing their potential federal financial aid packages; and secondly, to provide a financial
boon that can help lessen the economic burdens often associated with higher education. By offering these draws, the state would not only motivate students through immediate financial rewards but also keeps them engaged throughout the academic year.
Innovative Strategy for FAFSA Engagement
This approach by Alaska is notably innovative. Unlike typical state strategies that may include informational campaigns or school-based assistance programs, integrating a raffle could provide a direct, tangible incentive that may appeal particularly to
students who might otherwise procrastinate or overlook the importance of the FAFSA. By transforming what is often viewed as a tedious administrative task into a potentially rewarding activity, Alaska could significantly boost its FAFSA completion
rates.
Moreover, the public nature of the monthly and annual draws would ensure transparency and would hopefully keep up a steady drumbeat to maintain students’ interest and participation. This transparency, along with the significant reward potential, could
serve as a compelling case study for other states considering creative methods to enhance educational outcomes.
A Model for Other States?
Alaska’s FAFSA raffle could very well serve as a model for other states looking to increase FAFSA completion rates. This strategy acknowledges the various socioeconomic factors that influence students’ postsecondary education decisions and provides an
actionable, engaging solution. If successful, the FAFSA raffle might inspire similar initiatives across the country, potentially reshaping how states support college-bound students.
The National College Attainment Network (NCAN) will be monitoring to see if the bill fares better in the next legislative session beginning January 2025. If the legislation were to pass, it will be crucial to monitor its effectiveness in improving FAFSA
completion rates in Alaska. Equally important will be assessing the broader impacts on students’ educational pursuits and whether the financial incentives have translated into higher college enrollment and retention rates.
Disclosure: ChatGPT-4 was used to generate portions of this blog. The author reviewed, verified, and edited the entirety of the blog.
Email to a Friend