Fewer students are applying for federal college aid during pandemic
In mid-March, when many state's began shutdowns, applications began to decline, according to National College Attainment Network.
Posted — UpdatedFederal student aid provides millions of dollars to students, giving low-income students a chance to go to college. But during the pandemic, due to a slew of reasons, students aren't applying at the usual rate.
To be eligible for a Pell Grant, a student's family income must qualify, based on a number of factors. Last year, $89 million in Pell Grants went unclaimed.
Low-income families are the most affected by the pandemic, and low-income students are at a disadvantage when it comes to filing for federal student aid. Often times, the application process is strenuous and difficult especially for students who lack a good support system. Many students are not aware of the application or don't understand the forms needed.
Experts found that FAFSA has also been denying more students for their aid due to menial errors in their paperwork, and experts call this the "verification melt."
Another 28% of students report that they were afraid to take on debt, 23% said they didn't have enough information to complete the form, and 15% said they didn't know they could complete a FAFSA.
In Henderson, NC, the Baldwin family has placed a high priority in helping their five children go to college.
Dinah Baldwin said she's the fourth child to go to college in her family.
"Probably about 60% of her college tuition is covered through FAFSA," her mom said.
When the Baldwin kids started their college journey, their parents weren’t as savvy about accessing financial aid as they are now.
"For her, it was easy," said Dinah’s mom, Diedra Baldwin. "We knew what to do and when to do it."
June was the month for "FAFSA Frenzy" -- a month-long push to get applications in on time for students entering school this fall.
The opportunity to apply for aid seems to come and go too quickly for too many parents, according to Vance County Schools Superintendent Anthony Jackson.
Jackson said that FAFSA has always been "this big mystery" for the school district.
"We can no longer leave those resources on the table," Jackson said. "We can no longer allow kids to believe they are locked out of future prosperity."
Jackson plans to build the FAFSA process into the 12th grade English curriculum and also schedule many nights where parents can come in to take part in that course in Vance County.
In making her college plans, Dinah Baldwin says she received regular help from her school guidance counselor and college advisor.
Dinah Baldwin has been accepted into Fayetteville State University this fall. Baldwin hopes to be a pediatric nurse and work with children.
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