FAFSA new application delay is affecting students across Connecticut
FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid, students apply for FAFSA to qualify for certain loans, grants, and scholarships.
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College students across Connecticut looking to get a higher education are facing an obstacle when it comes to receiving financial aid.
The problem stems from a botched rollout of the new FAFSA form and has resulted in most students not knowing how much college will cost them next school year.
The U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona was in Hartford on Tuesday to address the delays.
"It was pushing too many people out, so this process now (new FASA application) is 15-20 minutes but has caused delays in getting applicants' correct information to schools,” said Cardona.
Many students haven't received their offer yet.
The new application has caused major delays in getting applicants' correct information to schools, impacting high school seniors the most with National College Decision Day approaching in two weeks.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal signed a letter to the Education Department urging them to do something.
"These delays are having a real impact on students' ability to make important and informed financial decisions about where to go to college, Blumenthal said. “I appreciate that the Department of Education has taken steps to fix issues with the FAFSA rollout, caused by insufficient funding, and urge them to continue to remedy the situation."
Connecticut State Universities have pushed back their enrollment deadline to June 1.
Melissa Stephens, the director of financial aid and student employment at Western Connecticut State University, says students need the time.
"We want our students and families to have the time to both assess access to their financial award information and make comparisons," said Stephens.
Stephens says admissions and financial counselors are on hand to help any students interested in committing to WCSU, she also recommends other institutions to do the same as students wait for their FAFSA package offer.
