Gov plans new push to help students apply for federal aid

Gov. Hochul is expected to announce Tuesday a new FAFSA completion program through the City University of New York amid program rollout woes that could block tens of thousands of young people from attending college.

It’s the latest attempt in New York to help applicants complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. So far, 38% of New York high school seniors have submitted the FAFSA, a 26% decrease from this time last year, according to the National College Attainment Network’s tracker.

“We’re bridging the information gap,” Hochul said, in a statement, “and providing students with the resources they need to complete their FAFSA application and unlock financial aid opportunities that can support their higher education journey.”

The CUNY Financial Aid Support Team, or FAST, will connect 100,000 high school seniors with personalized assistance. CUNY received a $1 million donation to send financial aid counselors and trained college students, who will earn $20 an hour, to local schools and libraries. Online options will also be available.

“With the generous support of the Carroll and Milton Petrie Foundation, we are committed to fully assisting those at risk of delaying or interrupting their education because they are unable to make informed choices about the true cost of college,” CUNY Chancellor Felix Matos Rodriguez said.

CUNY’s program will run through September 2024. A similar initiative is already underway at the State University of New York.

Hochul on Tuesday will also proclaim April “Financial Aid Awareness Month,” promote financial aid information and virtual drop-in sessions, and launch a scholarship application for STEM students who stay in the state after graduation.

All CUNY and SUNY campuses extended their enrollment deadlines this year as financial aid delays persisted. Hochul has proposed making FAFSA completion a high school graduation requirement in future application cycles.

Changes to the FAFSA, intended to simply the process of applying for aid, have been riddled with temporary delays and glitches. This weekend, federal education officials announced up to 1 million applications were affected by a tax data issue that may have sent incorrect information to colleges.