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ERIC Number: ED672497
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2025-Feb
Pages: 53
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: 0000-00-00
A Scan of State Universal FAFSA Policies
Sayda Martinez-Alvarado
EdTrust
College enrollment has increased over the years but so has the cost. The total cost of attending college -- including tuition, room and board, necessary books and supplies, and more -- would be prohibitive for most students if not for financial aid. Yet, many students still cite financial barriers as the top reason for opting out of college. Eligible students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to access federal aid, such as grants that do not need to be repaid (e.g., the Federal Pell Grant and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant), funds in exchange for work (e.g., the Federal Work-Study Program), and loans that must be repaid (including subsidized and unsubsidized loans). Despite the availability of aid, a lack of clear information about the types of aid available and how the financial aid process works, and insufficient advising and guidance on how to navigate the system and pay for college deters many students -- particularly those of color and those from low-income backgrounds -- from applying for financial aid and enrolling in college. This report analyzes the policies of 14 states that have had, currently have, or will soon implement universal FAFSA policies. It also examines the subsequent impact of these policies on FAFSA submission and completion rates, as well as enrollment among Pell Grant recipients, where data is available.
EdTrust. 1250 H Street NW Suite 700, Washington, DC 20005. Tel: 202-293-1217; Fax: 202-293-2605; Web site: https://edtrust.org/
Publication Type: Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education; High Schools; Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: EdTrust
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A