NASFAA Mention: Need Money for College? There's Now a FAFSA App for That

"Will filling out more than 100 questions on the official form for financial aid be any easier this year? Maybe," the Detroit Free Press reports

"After all, this year there's an app for that. The new app to fill out the FAFSA form is called myStudentAid and was rolled out in a beta version this summer. It's available from both the Apple App Store and Google Play.

A full version of the app is expected to be up and running Oct. 1 when the Free Application for Federal Student Aid for next fall is first available.

'It's another tool in the tool box for getting people to complete the FAFSA,' said Karen McCarthy, director of policy analysis at the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators.

What's key to realize, she said, is that not all families have a computer at home or have Internet access at home. So it can be more of a hassle to try to fill out the FAFSA online for those families. But many people do have a smartphone that can do the trick.

About 95 percent of Americans own a cell phone, making the form easily accessible, according to the U.S. Department of Education. If the form is easier to understand and complete, more families are likely to complete the form and submit it.

The paper form itself really is too overwhelming — so you want to fill this one out online.

Another plus: The U.S. Department of Education has done a makeover of its website to make it more friendly if you're using a tablet or a smartphone."

NASFAA's "Headlines" section highlights media coverage of financial aid to help members stay up to date with the latest news. Inclusion in Today's News does not imply endorsement of the material or guarantee the accuracy of information presented.

 

Publication Date: 9/13/2018

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