UT extends enrollment cutoff for FAFSA delays
The University of Tennessee at Knoxville is extending the deadline for students to confirm their fall 2024 enrollment amid national delays with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process.
First-year students and their families now have until May 15 to confirm enrollment at UT. This allows students to find out how much financial aid they’ll get before making a decision on where they want to attend college for the 2024-25 academic year.
Students who have already completed the FAFSA should receive their financial aid information by the end of April.
“We are fully committed to providing unwavering support to our students by extending the confirmation deadline, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding their college choices. Our team remains committed to welcoming and assisting the newest members of our Volunteer family. We will continue our efforts to meet our students’ needs wherever they are,” Vice Provost for the Division of Enrollment Management Kari Alldredge said in a press release.
Why FAFSA aid is delayed
The FAFSA form received updates and changes following the FAFSA Simplification Act passed by Congress. This act was meant to make the FAFSA form easier to complete for incoming college students and their families.
The form is usually available in October but wasn’t available until Dec. 31, 2023, for the 2024-2025 academic year.
The glitchy rollout has caused delays in students completing the form and subsequently finding out how much aid they’ll receive before confirming enrollment. It has left families guessing as to what the final cost will be for college, according to CNN.
Forty percent fewer students have completed the form compared to last
UT is extending the deadline to confirm fall enrollment amid delays with the FAFSA process.
year, according to one tracker.
How the University of Tennessee is helping with FAFSA worries
Thanks to UT extending the enrollment confirmation deadline, students and their families have a couple of extra weeks to find out how much financial aid they’ll get and to make a final decision about college.
UT will continue to provide updates on enrollment and the FAFSA as the situation develops.
Once financial aid offers are released, UT will begin contacting admitted students to help with support, resources and answers.
Students and their families can call One Stop Student Services at 865-9741111, visit the website at onestop.utk.edu/fafsa, send an email to onestop@utk.edu or visit the One Stop office at 1015 Volunteer Blvd. on the ground floor of Hodges Library.
Phone calls are taken 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday. Walk-ins are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
One Stop and UT’s Center for Financial Wellness host a File on Friday event weekly to offer assistance with the FAFSA. The one-on-one help can be done in person or online.
Keenan Thomas is a higher education reporter. Email keenan.thomas@knoxnews.com. X, formerly known as Twitter @specialk2real.