College students shouldn’t let FAFSA delays deter them
As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of higher education, one thing remains constant: the critical importance of financial aid.
Central to this aid lies the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), a lifeline for Tennessee students who are pursuing their academic dreams. However, this year has seen extraordinary delays in FAFSA processing, complicating the aspirations of countless students.
As partnering organizations for the Tennessee Promise, the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC), the Ayers Foundation Trust, and tnachieves are deeply concerned about the implications of these delays and the ultimate effect they will have on our students.
Together, we encourage all students, either first-time college students or those wishing to return and complete their degree, to complete the FAFSA as soon as possible. For those wanting to remain eligible for Tennessee Promise, the deadline to submit the 2024-2025 FAFSA is May 15, 2024.
Many Tennessee families have yet to complete the FAFSA
The FAFSA is the application used by current and prospective college students to determine eligibility for both federal and state financial aid, including Tennessee Promise and Tennessee Reconnect. For many years, Tennessee has been a national leader in FAFSA completion, often ranking as the top state in the country for FAFSA submissions.
However, the U.S. Department of Education’s efforts to simplify the FAFSA have resulted in nationwide delays in the opening of the application period and processing of applications. Unfortunately, these delays in FAFSA processing are complicating the already stressful journey of applying for financial aid. While preliminary data indicate Tennessee continues to lead the country in FAFSA completion among high school seniors, we know many students and families have yet to take this important step in the college-going process.
One of THEC, tnachieves, and the Ayers Foundation Trust’s main responsibilities is coordinating with high schools and colleges to ensure students are prepared for their next steps. We’ve increased those efforts in recent months to raise awareness of these issues through targeted communications to all prior-year FAFSA filers, monthly
FAFSA update webinars for school and community partners, weekly webinars for families completing the 2024-25 FAFSA, and local, in-person FAFSA workshops.
You will still be eligible for aid in 2024-25 school year
To the students and families affected by this year’s FAFSA delays, it is not too late to complete this important step. We assure you that the financial aid you are eligible for will be there when you finish the FAFSA.
We are also here to help. It’s our job to ensure you never feel alone on this journey. Students can access the 2024-2025 FAFSA at https://studentaid.gov. If you have questions along the way, we are here to help. Call the THEC FAFSA Hotline at 1-800-342-1663 for FAFSA completion assistance.
To Tennessee policymakers, education leaders, and higher education advocates, by working together, we can ensure that the FAFSA remains a reliable and accessible tool for students seeking to realize their academic ambitions. To augment our efforts, we respectfully request that you reach out to your community education leaders and encourage their support of our enhanced FAFSA completion work.
Completing the FAFSA is the first step in the pursuit of a degree or credential. By completing this critical process, students are one step closer to pursing their dreams of a college education, allowing them to get their foot in the door for the career, and future, that they want.
Steven Gentile is executive director of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission.
Krissy Dealejandro is president/ceo of tnachieves.
Burton Williams is Chief Executive Officer of The Ayers Foundation Trust.