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Financial aid counselors in Texas are encouraging aspiring college students to promptly complete the newly revamped federal application for college aid to increase their chances of receiving more financial assistance. Although the exact aid amount won’t be known for a few months, the updated Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a significant overhaul mandated by Congress in 2020. The changes aim to simplify the application process, making higher education more accessible to families by reducing the number of questions and altering the need-based aid calculation method.
The rollout of the new FAFSA has posed challenges for Texas families, with delays in availability and intermittent access during the initial soft launch. Despite the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board extending the financial aid application deadline to March 15, students are advised to submit the form early to address any issues promptly and increase their chances of securing substantial aid packages. Schools often allocate aid on a first-come, first-served basis, underscoring the importance of early submission to maximize opportunities for financial assistance.
The revised FAFSA features a shorter, more user-friendly format with fewer questions, aiming to simplify the application process and eliminate barriers to college entry. While these changes expand eligibility for some benefits, they may result in reduced aid for certain applicants. For instance, adjustments to the funding formula could impact aid amounts for students from low-income families, those with divorced or separated parents, and those with small businesses or family farms.
In Texas, completion of the FAFSA is mandatory for high school seniors, alongside the Texas Application for State Financial Aid or an opt-out form to graduate. The state’s requirement aims to increase financial aid accessibility and college enrollment rates. However, delays in the FAFSA release have compressed the timeline for high school counselors to assist students in completing the forms before graduation.
Students facing challenges due to parents without a Social Security number can expect a resolution to the online FAFSA glitch by March. In the interim, workaround solutions are available to ensure timely submission and avoid missing critical deadlines. Additionally, applicants can still opt for the traditional paper form submission, although online submissions are recommended for faster processing and reduced error likelihood.
For assistance with the FAFSA, students can access resources such as webinars, hotlines, and workshops provided by organizations like the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, uAspire, and college financial aid offices. These support services aim to guide applicants through the application process and address any queries or concerns they may have.
The Texas Tribune collaborates with Open Campus to deliver comprehensive higher education coverage.