Thousands of Students Missing Out on College Financial Aid, Study Finds

Some states, including Louisiana, have made filing the Fafsa a graduation requirement for high school students to help lift completion rates

Ms. Cook’s network is encouraging school districts to use some of the funds they receive from the federal pandemic relief program to expand support for post-high school preparation, including Fafsa completion assistance.

Here are some questions and answers about the Fafsa and student aid:

How much aid could I get from a Pell grant?

The maximum grant is set by Congress and is currently $6,495. Not all eligible students get the full amount; that depends on financial details reported in the Fafsa and other factors, like the cost of the school they are attending. Legislation pending in Congress would double the maximum amount and expand eligibility for the grants, but its outcome is uncertain.

Where can I get help completing the Fafsa?

Most schools are back to in-person learning, and counselors should be more available, although many have heavy workloads, Ms. Cook said. “Reach out and ask a counselor,” she said.

Some schools are working with community groups to bolster college preparation for students. OneGoal, a nonprofit group with programs in Illinois and several other states, works with schools to help them expand in-school instruction for students on post-high school planning. Classes, taught by school staff with support from OneGoal coaches, typically include help with Fafsa preparation.

Mr. Schraeder with EAB said the federal Student Aid Office has helpful information on its website, including a YouTube channel with videos that walk you through the process.

When should I file the Fafsa?

Each year, a new Fafsa becomes available on Oct. 1 for the following academic year, and may be filed until June 30 after the applicable school year ends. (The form for the 2022-23 school year, for instance, opened on Oct. 1, 2021, and can be filed until June 30, 2023.)

Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/04/your-money/students-college-grants-fafsa.html