The FAFSA: What Works

It can be a challenge to get students to fill out and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This is reflected in the fact that in 2023, high school students forfeited over $4 billion in Pell Grant dollars by not completing the form. We’ve collected testimonials from "FAFSA Pros," student success stories, and tactics and strategies that illustrate what schools and communities are doing to increase FAFSA completion.

FAFSA Pros

Laura Weego

A former college admissions officer, Laura Weego now serves on the other side of the college access pipeline at Career Compass of Louisiana.

Leslie Flores

Leslie Flores is a 2019 graduate of Dobson High School in Mesa, AZ, where she served as a FAFSA peer coach during the 2018-19 school year.

Mila Tappan

A self-described “FAFSA geek,” Mila Tappan uses a variety of resources to help students and families with FAFSA completion at the Finance Authority of Maine.

Sambat Kim

Sambat Kim, an alumnus of Hunter High School in West Valley City, UT, returned to his alma mater to help more students pursue their educational goals after completing high school.

NCAN thanks the Kresge Foundation for making this project possible.

Student Stories

Camryn

A College Now advisor got Camryn thinking about funding options beyond an athletic scholarship for college. Completing the FAFSA gave him more options to consider.

Karina

Karina didn't have perfect grades, but completing her FAFSA with the help of school counselor made her sure she wanted to attend college and pursue nursing.

Rashid

Rashid's family moved to the US to escape the civil war in Kenya. Learning about the FAFSA from an I Know I Can counselor gave him options on how pay for college.

Tyshae

Encouragement from her college advisor made all the difference for Tyshae when it came time to complete the FAFSA. She went on to attend Youngstown State University.

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