SUNY pushes back deadlines over FAFSA woes

The State University of New York is directing all campuses to push back college enrollment deadlines until at least mid-May, as the nationwide fallout continues from the glitchy new federal financial aid form.

In a typical year, students have to commit to most colleges by May 1. But due to the delayed rollout of the streamlined FAFSA, SUNY announced students will have until at least May 15 to put down a deposit for the fall semester.

“We know how difficult it is for families to endure the confusion and delays caused by the federal changes,” SUNY Chancellor John King wrote in a memo to college presidents, shared with the Daily News.

“So I want to underscore the importance of responding with compassion and understanding and providing as much flexibility as possible for our students and their families,” he added, “so they can make informed college choices with a full understanding of the extent to which their financial aid awards will support the cost of attendance.”

Beginning this application cycle, the U.S. Department of Education introduced an updated FAFSA with fewer questions and expanded eligibility.

But the form launched months later than usual, riddled with glitches that shut out thousands of applicants. Colleges are not expected to receive FAFSA data until March, pushing back when campus financial aid offices can make offers to prospective students.

The delays put pressure on all colleges, including in New York, to give families more time to weigh their options. Alongside the enrollment deposit deadline, SUNY is also extending related deadlines such as residence hall deposits, honors programs and summer orientation. Some campuses, including SUNY Albany, put off deadlines until June 1.

The SUNY chancellor also encouraged college presidents to communicate with families and local school districts, and make use of existing services to help applicants complete the FAFSA. He said that campuses can request extra support in IT and financial aid offices.

“Despite these delays, I want to emphasize the importance of the FAFSA simplification efforts,” King continued in the memo, “and am confident that once final, the new form will bring added financial benefits to many more students.”