WKRC-TV: Current, future college students cope with FAFSA changes

A bumpy rollout of the federal government’s new financial aid process means current and prospective college students across the region are experiencing hiccups in completing the revamped Free Application for Federal Student Aid form.

The U.S. The Department of Education had hoped to streamline applications and help more students and their families obtain more federal Pell grants, work study and loans. Instead, procedural delays mean universities and colleges won’t get the application data they need until a month later than expected.

“Frankly that’s data we would already be working with to get financial aid out to students,” Jack Miner, vice provost for enrollment management at UC, explained to WKRC-TV for a segment on FAFSA changes.

At UC, students won’t receive their full financial aid offer from the university until after April 1, 2024.

“We anticipate this schedule being similar for all colleges and universities and understand this timeline may impact your college planning process,” Miner told UC students in an email update on FAFSA. “Please be assured the university will start issuing full financial aid offers as soon as we are able. In addition, UC will still announce Cincinnatus Scholarships in February.”

Typically, colleges like to have prospective students commit to enrolling by May 1, but Miner told WKRC-TV all colleges will have to consider pushing that date back.

Listen to the WKRC-TV segment on FAFSA changes online.

Miner adds that if you have not yet filed your FAFSA application for 2024-2025, he strongly encourages you to apply at fafsa.gov. Both students and parents will need to create their own, separate login credentials known as the Federal Student Aid ID. The University of Cincinnati FAFSA code is 003125. 

Learn more about the changes to the FAFSA timeline and any future updates on our Financial Aid website.

Featured top image is courtesy of Istock.