Republicans introduced a bill on Monday to require this year’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms to be released in October, following the failed implementation of renewal applications last academic year.
Although forms normally go out on October 1, Democratic and Republican lawmakers have raised concerns after the Department of Education did not release the 2024-2025 forms until the end of December, giving students, families and colleges much less time to deal with the process.
“The Department of Education has had over 3 years to properly implement the new FAFSA. However, the Department is once again behind schedule in making the FAFSA form available to students by October 1,” said Senator Bill Cassidy (RL.a.), ranking member of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) committee. . “Another group of students may miss college altogether because they don’t know if they will be able to pay. This bill is valid [Education] secretary [Miguel] Cardona is responsible for ensuring students receive their financial offers in time to choose the best and most affordable college option for them.”
Rep. Erin Houchin (R-Ind.) introduced a similar bill in the House.
After the late implementation last year, problems with data calculations arose and colleges had to push back acceptance dates, leaving applicants short on time.
The Department for Education has received criticism from all sides over the fiasco, but has insisted that the forms will be ready by October this year.
This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story
