- ORIGINAL NEWS
Here’s how to make key college decisions amid FAFSA delays
- SUMMARY
Due to technical issues with tax data, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) has experienced delays, hindering the timely processing and distribution of financial aid award letters.
As a result, students seeking higher education are facing a pressing dilemma.
With the approaching May 1 deadline for National College Decision Day, where students have to commit to a particular institution, the scarcity of financial aid details can make it challenging for them to make informed decisions about their education.
To alleviate the financial burden, exploring private scholarships can be a viable solution.
According to experts, this unexpected delay presents an opportunity for students and their families to assess their choices beyond mere financial aid offers.
They emphasize the importance of considering future earnings potential and aligning education choices with long-term goals.
Furthermore, government resources like the College Scorecard and individual school’s net price calculators can aid in determining more affordable college options.
In light of the FAFSA delays, applying for scholarships becomes even more crucial.
Organizations, corporations, and foundations often fund scholarships with a total value exceeding $7.4 billion.
Seeking guidance from counselors, searching websites like Scholarships.com and College Board, or directly inquiring at colleges can provide access to scholarship opportunities.
By exploring alternative sources of aid, students can mitigate the impact of delayed FAFSA processing and make informed decisions about their educational pursuits.
- NEWS SENTIMENT CHECK
- Overall sentiment:
negative
Positive
“In the meantime, applying for more private scholarships may help ease the burden of the cost of college.”
“Students should also be exploring other sources of merit-based aid.”
Negative
“Problems with the new FAFSA have delayed financial aid award letters, making it harder for students to make informed decisions about next year ahead of enrollment deadlines.”
“In an early April update, the U.S. Department of Education said the delivery of some FAFSA applications would be further delayed due to ongoing issues with applicants’ tax data.”