As a middle-class Gen X-er, the FAFSA gives me PTSD already. ALL the hurdles, knowing that my kid won't get any financial aid anyway. I mean, what's the point? There should be an opt-out button at the beginning: "I know I'm not getting any help. Just finish the wizard and leave me alone."
You have to make a lot of money not to at least qualify for a loan.
The issue is that this should be a very simple process. They could import most of the information they actually need from the IRS to make a determination based on financial needs.
I came a from a middle class family. I was applying right after the 2008 crash and my parents income was the lowest it was in ages while going through FAFSA.
Colleges are a major purchases where in the negotiation of the transaction, the seller gets to review detailed financial data of the buyer before offering a price.
This is a good filter for those who either lack the aptitude or effort to complete it. The fact that the college graduation rate is still low suggests that too many people are being admitted who lack the qualifications to finish, which means the money and time is wasted.
Just in case you're serious: not everyone has the same opportunities from the get go, and people who might seem lacking in aptitude in the present can become quite proficient in a few years if merely given the chance (not everyone obviously). Proficiency doesn't just drop from the sky.
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[ 2.5 ms ] story [ 37.1 ms ] threadThe issue is that this should be a very simple process. They could import most of the information they actually need from the IRS to make a determination based on financial needs.
Its designed so that a 16/17 yo can do it.
You have to make a TON of money to not benefit from the FAFSA.
I came a from a middle class family. I was applying right after the 2008 crash and my parents income was the lowest it was in ages while going through FAFSA.
It was literally a waste of time.
No, it's a filter for who has parents who are familiar and comfortable with bureaucratic nonsense.