FAFSA delays continue to impact student enrollment
By Danielle Stein, contributing writer
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) has been experiencing major delays for the 2024-2025 school year leaving students and their families unsure about their ability to afford college.
These delays have stemmed from what was supposed to be a new and improved, more simplified version of the FAFSA application this year. The changes included a simplified interface, lower number of questions and an adjusted way of calculating aid, among others.
However, the changes brought about unforeseen issues. The FAFSA form opened two months late in Dec. 2023, faced a multitude of technical glitches and errors and as a result, processing times for FAFSA forms increased. For many, this is more than just added wait times. Students have begun looking into taking out private loans or financing their education in completely different ways to avoid falling behind.
“The changes were supposed to be positive and make it easier for me and my family to complete the form. However, the delays have just added extra stress to the school year,” junior Kirill Pankov said.
Many students rely on FAFSA to help with their education costs as well as housing. Without receiving their aid, these students cannot pay for their courses or plan for the upcoming school year. Towson University pushed back its decision day by two weeks to May 15 earlier this year due to the FAFSA delays, The Towerlight reported.
According to an email from Vice President for Enrollment Management Boyd Bradshaw, students who have already submitted their FAFSA are encouraged to check their “To Dos List” located in the TU Online Services Student Dashboard for information regarding missing documents or necessary additional steps, as well as regularly reviewing their student email for any updates.
Amid the delays, Towson University has continued to offer TU grants to qualifying students based on financial requirements including those who had a late FAFSA submission, according to Bradshaw. Towson has also waived late fees for students affected by the delays and extended deadlines for bill payments.
Students can contact the Towson University Financial Aid Office with any further questions or concerns about their financial aid or visit www.towson.edu/FAFSA for information.
