"The Education Department will extend temporary changes to how it reviews federal student aid applications as part of an effort to offset steep college enrollment declines recorded during the Covid-19 pandemic," Politico Pro reports.

..."The Biden administration hinted last year that it might resume the verification process for the coming academic term, sparking criticism from financial aid officers, college counselors and advocates for low-income students who argue the procedure creates a bureaucratic obstacle for vulnerable students. 

Wednesday’s shift won swift praise.

What they’re saying: 'Verification disproportionately impacts low-income students, the very same population that is most impacted by today's economic turbulence,' said Justin Draeger, head of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, in a statement.

'The financial aid profession has not been immune to the 'great resignation,'' Draeger added. 'Facing chronic staffing shortages, aid offices are struggling to help students through this bureaucratic process, which often results in little to no change in a student's Pell Grant eligibility.'"

NASFAA's "Notable Headlines" section highlights media coverage of financial aid to help members stay up to date with the latest news. Articles included under the notable headlines section are not written by NASFAA, but rather by external sources. Inclusion in Today's News does not imply endorsement of the material or guarantee the accuracy of information presented.

Publication Date: 5/18/2022