(The hill) – Republicans introduced a bill Monday that would require this year’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms to be issued in October, after a botched rollout of the revised applications last academic year.
While the forms are normally sent out on October 1, Democratic and Republican lawmakers have expressed concerns after the Department of Education did not release the 2024-2025 forms until behind schedule December, leaving students, families and colleges far less time to deal with the process.
“The Department of Education has had more than three years to properly implement the new FAFSA form. Yet the Department is once again behind schedule in making the FAFSA form available to students by October 1,” said Senator Bill Cassidy (R-R), ranking member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee. “Another class of students may forego college altogether because they don’t know if they can afford it. This bill stops [Education] secretary [Miguel] Cardona is responsible for ensuring students receive their financial aid offers in a timely manner so they can choose the best and most affordable college option for them.”
Republican Rep. Erin Houchin of Indiana has introduced a similar bill in the House of Representatives.
After the delayed introduction last year, problems arose in data calculation and universities had to postpone their admission dates, which led to time pressure for applicants.
The Ministry of Education faced widespread criticism for the fiasco, but insisted that the forms would be ready by October this year.
