AAA expert offers advice on FAFSA delay
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — College students around the country are hesitant in making any decisions as they await financial aid offers derailed by errors.
According to AAA, the delays plaguing the Free Applications for Federal Student Aids (FAFSA) have put pressure on students and colleges while many schools cannot provide complete offers without knowing the outcome of anticipated federal student aid.
Due to this delay, many schools have extended the deadline for making a tuition deposit from May 1 to June 1.
Director of student lending and college services at AAA Northeast Donald Kerr, urges families not to give up:
“The redesigned FAFSA is intended to help families who are most in need of financial assistance to make a college education possible. It increases the amount of aid available by billions of dollars. Unfortunately, the delays have added up to the point where many students are starting to give up and instead seeking employment and looking at community colleges on a part-time basis.”
AAA shared the following tips for students and families:
- Check the status of your FAFSA on studentaid.gov to ensure it was submitted successfully
- Sign up for a student portal at each prospective school
- If your FAFSA from has not been processed, reach out to the Federal Student Aid office
- If needed, students can reach out to their school and request an individual extension
Kerr added, “It may be a bumpy ride this year, but don’t give up on what could be one of the most generous financial aid seasons for those who need the help the most.”
