HARRISBURG, Pa. — Editor's note: The above video is from Jan. 2.
Universities in Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) are giving students extra time to decide to enroll due to issues with the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid form (FAFSA).
The new FAFSA is designed to be easier to fill out and more streamlined for students, but the overhaul has caused delays of five to six months, meaning colleges and universities across the country will not receive financial data from the FAFSA form until mid-March. Schools need this data to determine how much financial aid to offer students.
“PASSHE universities are doing everything they can to give students and families more time to consider financial aid offers,” said PASSHE chancellor Dan Greenstein. “We know that most of our students are from low- and middle-income families, and they rely on financial aid to attend their PASSHE university. Going to college and earning a degree or credential is life changing, and those decisions should not be rushed. This extension gives students the time and flexibility to consider their financial aid options and make informed decisions.”
Students looking to enroll in a school in PASSHE will now have until May 15 to make their decisions, as opposed to the traditional May 1 cutoff. May 1 is commonly referred to as National College Decision Day.
PASSHE says its universities will work to provide financial aid offers as soon as FAFSA data is made available by the U.S. Department of Education.
“I encourage all high school seniors and any other potential students to complete the new, streamlined FAFSA form as soon as possible,” said Greenstein. “Submitting the form is the vital first step to accessing grants, scholarships and other free aid that many Pennsylvania students need and deserve.”
The schools in the PASSHE system are Cheyney University, Commonwealth University - Bloomsburg, Commonwealth University - Lock Haven, Commonwealth University - Mansfield, East Stroudsburg University, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Kutztown University, Millersville University, Pennwest California, Pennwest Clarion, Pennwest Edinboro, Shippensburg University, Slippery Rock University and West Chester University.