Virginia Secretary of Education Calls on ED to Address Issues With FAFSA
By Maria Carrasco, NASFAA Staff Reporter
Virginia Secretary of Education Aimee Rogstad Guidera, on Wednesday, sent a letter to the Department of Education (ED) calling on the department to prioritize overhauling and implementing the FAFSA for the 2025-26 cycle.
Rogstad Guidera noted that issues with the 2024-25 FAFSA have negatively impacted Virginia students, families, and institutions. According to the National College Attainment Network’s (NCAN) FAFSA Tracker, Virginia has experienced a 8.6% decline in FAFSA completion compared to the 2023-24 cycle.
“Although Virginia performs better than 42 other states on year-over-year declines, the department’s actions have caused many families to struggle with receiving timely and accurate award letters,” Rogstad Guidera wrote. “This has led to reduced student enrollment this fall, particularly among those from low-income backgrounds, and has placed preventable financial and operational strain on our public and private colleges and universities.”
As the department prepares to launch the 2025-26 FAFSA through a “phased-rollout,” Rogstad Guidera expressed disappointment that the FAFSA won’t be available to all students on the traditional October 1 date. The delayed launch date will impede students' and institutions' ability to complete applications and process awards before December, she wrote.
“We urge the department to redirect its efforts away from controversial political priorities, many of which are entangled in lengthy litigation, and focus on effectively overhauling and implementing the modernized FAFSA as Congress envisioned and students deserve,” Rogstad Guidera wrote.
Publication Date: 8/26/2024
Julie B | 8/26/2024 11:19:12 AM
Stop focusing on FVT/Gainful employment and focus on a easy, comprehensive FAFSA that can be delivered by OCT 1.
Susie E | 8/26/2024 8:32:20 AM
Absolutely!!!
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