FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 17, 2024
CONTACT:
Joshua_Natoli@helmy.senate.gov
Washington, D.C. – Senator George Helmy (D-NJ) today sent a letter to the Department of Education urging action following the problematic rollout of the 2024-2025 FAFSA application form.
“Countless students and their families across New Jersey seeking financial assistance were left blindsided by the challenging circulation of the 2024-2025 FAFSA application. The emotional and economic impact this fiasco has had on the most financially vulnerable in our communities is unacceptable,” said Senator Helmy. “While challenges with updating such a comprehensive program are expected, these delays have further eroded public trust in our institutions and caused financial harm on a nationwide scale, especially on lower-income and first-generation students of color. I have met directly with and heard from leadership at colleges and universities across the state about their concerns with this issue. I urge the Department of Education to identify and resolve any outstanding errors before launching the 2025-2026 FAFSA form by December 1. I also urge the Department of Education to make every possible effort to rectify the financial harm they have done to our nation’s students and their families.”
In 2020, Congress directed the Department of Education to overhaul the federal student aid system in order to streamline the process by pulling information directly from the IRS and reducing the number of application questions. Instead of simplifying the process, the new system’s rollout resulted in many roadblocks stemming from more than 40 technical issues.“
The issues with the 2024 FAFSA process have had a devastating impact on low-income and first-generation college-going students. We are asking 18-year-olds and their families to make the most important decision of their life without the most important pieces of information necessary for that decision,” said Matthew Feinstein, Executive Director of NJ LEEP. “At best, students are making an under-informed decision. At worst, they are opting out altogether, and not even matriculating to college. The impacts of these failures could very well ripple for generations to come.”
“The delay in the FAFSA process could have significant consequences for New Jersey students seeking higher education,” said the NJ Citizen Action Education Fund.” Knowing what financial aid is available to these students and their families is essential to making smart and timely decisions about where to attend school and is critical to avoiding burdensome student debt.”
To view the full letter, click here.