FAFSA: Education Needs to Improve Communications and Support around the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Testimony before the Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development, Committee on Education and the Workforce, House of Representatives. GAO-24-107407
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| Title: | FAFSA: Education Needs to Improve Communications and Support around the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Testimony before the Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development, Committee on Education and the Workforce, House of Representatives. GAO-24-107407 |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Melissa Emrey-Arras, US Government Accountability Office (GAO) |
| Source: | US Government Accountability Office. 2024. |
| Availability: | US Government Accountability Office. 441 G Street NW, Washington, DC 20548. Tel: 202-512-6000; Web site: http://www.gao.gov |
| Peer Reviewed: | N |
| Page Count: | 41 |
| Publication Date: | 2024 |
| Document Type: | Legal/Legislative/Regulatory Materials Reports - Descriptive Speeches/Meeting Papers |
| Descriptors: | Student Financial Aid, Federal Programs, Audits (Verification), Information Systems, Financial Aid Applicants, Information Processing, Formative Evaluation, Information Technology, Review (Reexamination), Computer Software Reviews, Computer System Design, Systems Development, Communications, Telecommunications, Barriers |
| Abstract: | The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the entry ramp to federal grants and loans that many students depend on to afford college. Congress passed the FAFSA Simplification Act in 2020 in part to make it easier to apply for federal aid. However, Education's rollout of the new FAFSA has suffered from numerous challenges and delays. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) was asked to review the simplified FAFSA rollout. This statement assesses: (1) how Education's rollout of the new FAFSA affected students; (2) the extent to which Education provided students with information and support; and (3) the extent to which Education provided colleges with timely communications. This statement is a companion to GAO's related statement on FAFSA system issues (GAO-24-107783). To conduct this work, GAO analyzed Education data on FAFSA submissions and processing for the current application cycle (2024-25) and comparable data for the prior year. GAO also examined data and performance metrics from Education's call center for the same periods, interviewed Education officials and other key stakeholders from higher education associations, and reviewed relevant federal laws and guidance. |
| Abstractor: | ERIC |
| Entry Date: | 2024 |
| Accession Number: | ED660055 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the entry ramp to federal grants and loans that many students depend on to afford college. Congress passed the FAFSA Simplification Act in 2020 in part to make it easier to apply for federal aid. However, Education's rollout of the new FAFSA has suffered from numerous challenges and delays. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) was asked to review the simplified FAFSA rollout. This statement assesses: (1) how Education's rollout of the new FAFSA affected students; (2) the extent to which Education provided students with information and support; and (3) the extent to which Education provided colleges with timely communications. This statement is a companion to GAO's related statement on FAFSA system issues (GAO-24-107783). To conduct this work, GAO analyzed Education data on FAFSA submissions and processing for the current application cycle (2024-25) and comparable data for the prior year. GAO also examined data and performance metrics from Education's call center for the same periods, interviewed Education officials and other key stakeholders from higher education associations, and reviewed relevant federal laws and guidance. |
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