PENNSYLVANIA, USA — The U.S. Department of Education gave the FAFSA an overhaul this year.
“It’s a good thing- ultimately- that they’re making this change," said Daniel Greenstein, chancellor of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. "They’re basically simplifying the process of applying for aid.”
But the launch was less than stellar, causing months-long delays.
“We’ve seen some challenges with the rollout but we’ve seen students being able to complete the form now with little to no issue," said Eric Dinsmore, senior director of financial aid at York College of Pennsylvania.
The Department of Education won’t be sending FAFSA data to schools until March, which means families likely won’t receive financial aid offers until April.
“Be patient with schools," said Dinsmore. "We will do the best we can to get the offer and information out to them as quickly as possible.”
Now colleges and universities are pushing back their commitment deadlines to give incoming students more time to evaluate financial aid and make that big decision.
All 10 universities in Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education are delaying the deadline from May 1 to at least May 15, as is Penn State.
"You're not in this boat alone, everyone in the country is facing this situation," said George Zimmerman, assistant vice president of enrollment management and executive director of undergraduate admissions at Pennsylvania State University.
York College of Pennsylvania is pushing its deadline back to June 1.
“[We're] trying to give students and families the opportunity to take the time with their financial aid offer once it’s received so they can evaluate all their options," explained Dinsmore.
Officials don't think they will have to push the deadline back further, but say it's all kind of a "wait and see" game right now.
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