Are FAFSA delays causing a domino effect in college admissions? For the high school class of 2024, the launch of FAFSA Simplification is causing additional stress for students and parents. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a critical component in the college application process, as it determines a student’s eligibility for financial aid. Ongoing FAFSA delays have impacted college admissions for many students, parents, and colleges.

Students relying on financial aid to afford college are caught in a frustrating and time-consuming cycle. According to college admissions and financial aid offices, the delayed processing of FAFSA applications is causing a backlog in admissions decisions, leaving students uncertain about their plans. The current FAFSA backlog processing is currently at approximately 6 million students.

The domino effect of FAFSA delays is far-reaching. Not only are students facing a potential setback in their college plans, but colleges and universities are also grappling with the challenges of managing a changing applicant pool and making timely admissions decisions.

In this article, we’ll provide an update on FAFSA delays and discuss their impact on college admissions. We’ll also provide insights into potential solutions that could help alleviate the issue and ensure a more streamlined process for all parties involved.

Reasons for FAFSA delays

The finger-pointing has begun, and it is unclear if we will ever get an answer. On Monday, 3/18, the Department of Education (DOE) held a webinar for college financial aid admission professionals. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona and Federal Student Aid CEO Richard Cordray presented information.

Secretary Cardona emphasized the college financial aid offices’ patience and the need to work together as this has been a difficult time for all involved. He stated, “Right now, you’ve been dealing with the long hours, the shifting deadlines, the uncertainty of not being sure when and how you’re going to be able to get what you need to deliver,”

Many speculate that the delays were caused by underfunding or reallocating resources to handle the repayment restart. Other reasons include the focus on loan repayment and forgiveness programs, which distracted the DOE from implementing this on time.

All of this does not really matter. The lack of communication with students, parents, and the colleges was unacceptable. There was no transparency. According to a recent article in Politico, it was called “The Great FAFSA Flop.”

Admission Delays Due to FAFSA Problems

Many students rely on financial aid to afford college. Without timely information from the colleges, students and parents are unable to make informed decisions. The new FAFSA Simplification was designed to make it easier to complete, as it has a reputation for being complicated and intimidating. These delays have left families in limbo, unable to make informed decisions about their education and future plans.

The colleges and universities are most affected by these FAFSA delays. The increased workload due to the delays will require many colleges to convert workload processing, which usually takes months to only a few weeks. They are at the mercy of the DOE to issue FAFSA records to them. The term used is ISIR or Institutional Student Information Record.

The ISIR contains the information colleges need to create the financial award letters that generally accompany a college admission letter. These student files are the cornerstone of the federal financial assistance process and many state programs. Any modification or adjustment impacting federal financial aid must be processed through those records.

The problem is that colleges have received a very small amount of ISIR records for their internal testing and systems to this point. Each college has its own admission and financial aid process. Many students and parents do not understand this process, which is called Enrollment Management.

The enrollment management process is the foundation of the business side of college. This is where admission and financial aid come together so the college is financially secure. Most families are unaware of this side of college admission.  It is where the proper mixture of admitted students matches the school’s goals on the type of students they want in the entering class and the revenue the group will generate to keep the college open.

The numerous FAFSA delays have handcuffed the colleges. The FAFSA information indirectly drives the Financial Award Letters, which is why it is so important to the colleges.

How colleges are responding to FAFSA delays

Colleges and universities are aware of the challenges posed by FAFSA delays and are taking steps to address the issue. Many institutions are implementing measures to streamline their admissions process and provide more precise communication regarding financial aid timelines. Some colleges are offering alternative funding options to students while they await their FAFSA data, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder their ability to enroll in college.

Additionally, colleges are working to improve their collaboration with the Department of Education to expedite FAFSA processing. By establishing stronger lines of communication and sharing resources, colleges and the Department of Education can work together to reduce delays and ensure a more efficient process for students.

Steps Students and Parents Can Take

Due to the FAFSA delays, we expect the colleges to issue the award letter at different times. According to the DOE, the FAFSA will be issued to the colleges based on their overall backlog and the timing of the student’s FAFSA application submission.

It will also depend on the colleges’ ability to process this information. According to the DOE, some schools could not receive the ISIR records due to the system version they had installed. In the school defense, multiple updates were required to be compliant.

The National Association of College Admission Counselors (NACAC) has a list of colleges with their new deadlines. This may be a good place to start. However, it is recommended that you visit each college’s website for the most current information on award letters being issued and commitment dates.

I recommend you visit the school website if you feel you will be appealing the financial award letter. Understand the process since the colleges’ reaction time will be shorter than in prior years.

If you are sure of your decision and have received an acceptance letter or formal scholarship, you may want to contact the college now. As stated above, the FAFSA delay will have additional consequences for your course selection and housing selection process.

FAFSA Delays Summary

Recognizing the widespread impact of FAFSA delays, this year’s seniors have faced multiple changes from COVID to FAFSA Simplification. It is a stressful time for both students and parents. The financial aspect of this decision is significant.

It is the parents’ most significant financial decision on their own, unlike a home where a lender approves the loan. At the same time, it is most likely the largest financial decision parents make before retirement. Understanding the financial commitment is becoming more important due to the increased cost. If you need help navigating this process so that you maximize your assets, take proper loans, and qualify for loan forgiveness, visit the list of qualified advisors.