(KNSI) — Students applying to college are being encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, form after completions dropped 16% last year in Minnesota.
The state’s current FAFSA filing rate is 33.3%. Minnesota aims to increase that by 5% each year. Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan says, “A student’s financial aid package is often the deciding factor in whether they enroll in college. Minnesota has made record investments in financial aid, but students have to apply for it.”
Over $2.5 billion in financial aid is awarded in Minnesota every year, but students can’t access it without completing the form. The Minnesota Office of Higher Education says it is working with the Minnesota Department of Education to get FAFSA information directly to high school seniors.
“Our students and families are not alone,” said Minnesota Office of Higher Education Commissioner Dennis Olson. “The entire higher education community is here to help.”
Nationally, FAFSA completions are down 20%. The new form launched in December also had technical problems, but the state says those have been fixed.
For more information on how to get help completing the FAFSA, click here.
___
Copyright 2024 Leighton Media. All rights reserved. This material may not be broadcast, published, redistributed, or rewritten, in any way without consent.
FOLLOW US FOR INSTANT UPDATES!
FOLLOW US FOR INSTANT UPDATES!