State education leaders encourage FAFSA completion

6/24/2024

The State of Ohio wants to ensure every high school senior knows about available assistance to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly known as the FAFSA. Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Director Stephen D. Dackin and Ohio Department of Higher Education Chancellor Mike Duffey wrote an editorial to highlight the importance of the FAFSA and stress there’s still time to complete it.
 
Regardless of a student’s intentions following graduation, it remains important for them to complete the FAFSA. The FAFSA can be the key to a debt-free college education for many families who might otherwise miss out on this opportunity. The FAFSA enables up to $7,395 per year in federal Pell grants, up to $5,000 in Ohio College Opportunity Grants from the State of Ohio, and access to other grants from colleges or foundations.
 
The National College Attainment Network reports the number of FAFSA completions from Ohio high school seniors is down by more than 14,000 students through late April compared to the prior year. Just 36.8% of Ohio’s class of 2024 had completed a FAFSA, compared to about 49% last year. By not completing the FAFSA, far too many students leave money on the table when it comes to their college education. In Ohio alone, more than $100 million in student aid goes unclaimed each year.
 
The State of Ohio continues to communicate with all Ohio colleges and universities requesting they provide increased flexibility to students and families as decisions on higher education are being made. Completing the FAFSA takes less than one hour, but it can unlock significant financial opportunities. For assistance or to learn more, visit itsforyou.org.