Higher Ed Policy Roundup: Vol. 8 - Issue 16

On Monday, as part of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Student Support Strategy, the Education Department announced the launch of a $50 million grant program to help boost FAFSA completion. Recall that the FAFSA has been plagued with issues stemming from delays due to the implementation of the FAFSA Simplification Act resulting in 2.4 million fewer submissions. The funds will go towards facilitating FAFSA submission clinics, growing capacity for organizations to expand the availability of advisers, counselors, and coaches during extended hours, and providing support to help organizations communicate with parents and students.

A recent report from the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources and the National Association for Student Financial Aid Administrators revealed that over 50% of financial aid professionals are likely to seek other employment opportunities.

A recent study from Gallup and the Lumina Foundation found that 71% of student loan borrowers said they needed to delay at least one major life event because of their student loans.

There were no relevant student-aid related bills recently introduced for consideration by the 118th Congress (2023-2024).