Financial Aid Should Not Be A Barrier To Pursue College

For millions of students, the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a gateway to college education. 

Despite recent improvements, FAFSA continues to be a maze of doubt and a direct influence on whether or not students commit to colleges.

In 2024, the application experienced major glitches with the new updates. NPR called it “a slow motion explosion of mistakes and miscommunication by the U.S. Department of Education.” 

Since that year, institutions have given students their financial aid packets late due to FAFSA delays. This mainly impacts first-generation and low-income students. 

Although the system was updated to ensure this does not occur, the U.S. Government Accountable Office reported a 3% decrease in students applying for financial aid, including high school seniors, first-time applicants and low-income households. 

In addition, the overwhelming amount of documents FAFSA requires, such as tax records and manual entries makes students feel intimidated and discouraged. 

That leads many students who are categorized under the middle class income threshold to not apply.  

The GAO further explains that the FAFSA help line only answered 26% of the calls received, leaving many applicants with concerns and doubt. 

If there is so little trust in the organization that can guarantee access to higher education, why should students trust?

Federal Student Aid, the Department of Education office responsible for FAFSA, claims their mission is “Funding America’s Future, One Student at a Time.” But, if applicants constantly fear their application will be jeopardized, their mission is not being accomplished. 

Applicants who need it the most—undocumented students, students without access to parental support and those balancing work with family obligations—are the ones struggling the most. 

Even students with strong academic records may see opportunities slip away because of financial constraints.

Financial aid officers at Miami Dade College claim that students have had issues with simple procedures like selecting the wrong academic year which shows poor design in the system. 

A process this essential should not be so difficult to navigate. Policymakers should prioritize supporting a FAFSA that can effectively allow every student access to higher education. 

Having a more transparent and effective system will not only increase the number of applicants but fulfill the goal of providing financial assistance to those who need it most. 

It’s time for students to feel certain about their college process; instead of giving up before even getting a chance.