Citing FAFSA Delays, U.S. to Ease Requirements for Colleges
The U.S. Education Department is relaxing various requirements for colleges and universities to help them focus on processing aid applications and delivering aid packages to students.
Changes include reducing the proportion of financial aid forms reviewed for accuracy, suspending new compliance reviews, and offering flexibility in applications for federal financial aid programs.
These changes are in response to delays and technical glitches with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Education Secretary Miguel Cardona emphasizes freeing up time and resources for institutions to deliver financial aid efficiently.
Institutions face time constraints due to delays in FAFSA updates and information transmission, leading to adjustments in deadlines for aid commitment.
Lawmakers express disappointment over delays and concerns about the impact on students while welcoming the department's efforts to support institutions.
The department's actions are based on input from financial aid administrators and college leaders.
Measures include reducing verification rates for aid applications and suspending routine program reviews until 2024, except for cases of suspected fraud.
Relief measures aim to ease the burden on institutions and enable them to focus on aiding students.
Higher education leaders praise the department's initiatives but call for sustained efforts and meeting processing timelines to prevent further delays for students and families.
Summary: The U.S. Education Department is implementing changes to alleviate burdens on colleges and universities grappling with delayed financial aid processes. These changes include reducing the review of financial aid forms, suspending compliance reviews, and offering flexibility in aid program renewals. The adjustments aim to address challenges from delays and technical issues with the FAFSA. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona emphasizes the importance of freeing up resources to deliver financial aid to students efficiently. Lawmakers express concerns over the impact of delays on students but welcome the department's support efforts. Based on input from stakeholders, the measures include reducing verification rates and suspending routine program reviews, except for cases of suspected fraud. Higher education leaders commend the initiatives but stress the need for sustained efforts and timely processing to prevent further delays for students and families.
Written By- Katherine Knott Inside Higher Ed -February 13, 2024. www.nasfaa.org/news-item
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