The federal FAFSA form, used by high school seniors nationwide to apply for college financial aid, opened on Thursday after a year of delays due to a problematic rollout by the Biden administration. The Education Department reported that after thorough testing, the online form is functioning smoothly, with no major issues encountered.
While the form's opening to the public is later than the usual Oct. 1 start date, it is significantly earlier than last year's late January launch. The department has committed to releasing this year's form by Dec. 1, providing ample time for students to complete their applications.
Education Secretary Miguel Cardona expressed confidence in the revamped FAFSA, stating that it will play a crucial role in facilitating college access and affordability for millions of students. Over 140,000 students have already submitted the form through four rounds of testing, with their information successfully transmitted to more than 5,200 colleges.
Last year's overhaul aimed to simplify the notoriously complex form, but technical glitches hindered students from submitting their applications or led to errors in calculations. This caused significant delays in determining financial aid eligibility, leaving many families uncertain about their college funding prospects.
The Education Department has assured that the issues from last year have been addressed, and they have bolstered support by hiring an additional 700 call center workers to assist families encountering difficulties with form submission.
Recent bipartisan legislation passed by both the Senate and House mandates that the FAFSA form must be available no later than Oct. 1 in future years, ensuring timely access for students seeking financial aid. The Biden administration faced criticism for its handling of the FAFSA update, with some accusing it of prioritizing student loan cancellation over form improvements.
The 2020 legislation that prompted the FAFSA overhaul aimed to streamline the form by reducing the number of questions and adjusting the aid formula to benefit more students. The Education Department's efforts to enhance the FAFSA process are seen as crucial in supporting students' higher education aspirations.
