The U.S. Department of Education announced it has processed over 10 million 2024–25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms. The introduction of the Better FAFSA form has led to significant improvements, with students now able to expect their records to be sent to colleges within one to three days. Nearly 90% of nonprofit and four-year institutions are currently packaging and sending out aid offers to students. Recent data shows a notable increase in FAFSA submissions, reducing the gap from nearly 40 percent two months ago to 12 percent today.
To further encourage Better FAFSA submissions, the Department developed the FAFSA Support Strategy, which supports both higher education institutions and K-12 students and families. "Thanks to the countless educators, schools, financial aid officers, and community partners across the country who have worked hard, along with the Department, to motivate students to fill out FAFSA, we have real momentum," said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. "We will continue to leave no stone unturned in pursuit of our goal of ensuring that every student has the help they need to access the life-changing potential of higher education."
Launched on May 6, the FAFSA Student Support Strategy aims to increase FAFSA completion rates and college enrollment among first-time college students and students of color. Over 65 organizations have received funding through a partnership with ECMC since its launch. These projects include stipends for school counselors hosting completion events, mobile clinics, one-on-one support during office hours, translation services, and summer support activities.
ECMC recently announced funding allocations for various organizations under this initiative:
- Iowa College Access Network will provide evening and weekend availability for appointments at its seven statewide offices and conduct up to 75 high school events.
- College Access Fairfax in Falls Church, VA plans to assist nearly 1,000 students through in-person events and individual appointments.
- Centro Hispano de East Tennessee will focus on immigrant family populations in Knoxville by conducting completion events throughout summer.
- Oregon TRIO Association will host workshops during evenings and weekends with extended staff hours.
In February this year, funds were also made available under the FAFSA College Support Strategy for higher education institutions. This strategy includes federal personnel deployment, technical assistance allocation worth millions of dollars, tools provision for efficient student record processing preparation at schools. To date over 270 institutions including more than 60 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have been supported by these initiatives.
The Department continues its efforts through these strategies ensuring that both students can access maximum financial aid entitled while schools receive necessary resources for effective support.
