Tips to avoid common issues
⬤ Setudents can’t sign the FAFSA before sending it to their parents: “This is common because the student is not scrolling to the bottom of the page to see the ‘Continue’ button,” said Bethany Hubert, financial aid specialist with Going Merry by Earnest. “Ensure you scroll to the bottom, press continue and electronically sign your FAFSA.”
⬤ Errors on the question regarding Dependency Status: When asked, “Are the student’s parents unwilling to provide their information, but the student doesn’t have an unusual circumstance that prevents them from contacting or obtaining their parents’ information?” Most students need to answer “No” to this question, as their parents will be willing to contribute to their FAFSA, Hubert said. When a student answers “Yes,” this makes the student eligible only for Direct Unsubsidized Student Loans, which are not need-based, she said.
⬤ No application for state financial aid: Students in Iowa, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont need to file the state aid application separately from the FAFSA. Previously, filing the FAFSA would make you automatically eligible for state financial aid programs. This function is expected to return next year.
⬤ Inflation adjustments: The Department of Education acknowledges it failed to account for the past few years’ soaring inflation in income levels used to calculate aid eligibility, but it’s fixing it. No one knows how or when but it’s “unfortunately, another setback in the 2024-2025 FAFSA that will likely increase delays and frustration,” Hubert said. All you can do is enter your information correctly and wait.
Still feeling stressed out?
The tips don’t cover everything that could go wrong, but Hubert says don’t worry. Here’s her advice:
⬤ Be patient.
⬤ Reach out to the financial aid office to let them know your concerns.
⬤ Prepare an appeal letter: If your initial offer falls short, be ready to reach out to the financial aid office to inquire about the financial aid appeals process. Sites like Going Merry provide a helpful appeal letter template that can guide students in crafting an effective appeal, which could significantly boost your financial aid package, she said.
⬤ Consult your high school counselor for valuable insights and guidance tailored to your situation.
⬤ Consider lower-cost options, including community colleges, online courses or alternatives that can provide quality education without the same financial burden.
⬤ “Above all else – remember, you’re not alone,” she said. “Many families are in a similar situation.”