3 ways high schools are preparing students for this year’s FAFSA

Last school year’s delays to filling out the federal financial aid form are spurring early action to support the class of 2025.

High schools are getting an early start on helping this year’s 12th graders fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, given the delays and technical difficulties experienced with the federal form last school year.  

FAFSA completions for the class for 2024 fell by nearly 9% compared to the graduating class the year before, according to a National College Attainment Network tracker updated Nov. 1. The application helps students obtain federal financial aid, scholarships and tuition aid packages from colleges.

Last year, the release of an updated and streamlined application form was delayed by several months, and technical glitches hampered many students’ ability to complete the form when it did become available. Researchers found first-year college enrollment declined most severely at four-year colleges that serve high populations of Pell Grant students, who typically must show exceptional financial need to obtain those awards.