The cost of college continues to rise, making financial aid a necessity for the vast majority of students pursuing higher education. The reality is that most students receive some form of financial assistance to make college possible. Yet many students still believe that college–whether in general or at the specific institution of their dreams–is financially out of reach. What they often do not realize is that many students are eligible for significant financial aid, but they must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to access it.

Each year, billions of dollars in financial aid go unused simply because students do not complete the FAFSA.  A recent analysis from the National College Attainment Network (NCAN) illustrates the scope of this problem. For the high school class of 2024, 43 percent of students did not file a FAFSA, leaving $4.4 billion in Pell Grants unclaimed. These figures underscore what is at stake: the FAFSA is the gateway to federal, state, and institutional financial aid, including Pell Grants, low-interest loans, and many scholarships. When students do not complete the form, they miss out on the critical financial resources that can make higher education attainable.

Traditional Support Channels Are Not Enough

In the past, many families and students relied on informal networks–such as other parents with older children or peers whose siblings had gone through the process–to supplement information from schools and help guide them through completing the FAFSA. The recent, significant changes to the FAFSA have disrupted this support system as the experiences of families just a year or two ahead are no longer fully relevant.

Even educators and counselors have had to work hard to keep up with new policies and procedures. Shifts like the transition from the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) to the Student Aid Index (SAI), new rules for determining which parent’s information is used, and updated Pell Grant formulas have introduced added complexity for families and schools alike.

This intersection of rising costs, persistent misconceptions, and changing processes makes it more important than ever for districts, schools, and counselors to approach FAFSA completion strategically, proactively, and with a multi-pronged plan. A thoughtful approach that combines clear information, outreach events, individualized support, and coordinated communication can ensure that no student misses out on the opportunities they have earned through hard work and perseverance.

🔗 Introducing the FAFSA Toolkit

To support this work, SchooLinks is rolling out an updated FAFSA Toolkit for Counselors and Administrators. This resource is designed to help schools increase FAFSA completion rates, coordinate their outreach, and support students and families more effectively during this year’s FAFSA cycle. 

Every year, financial aid makes the difference between whether students can attend the college of their choice, or any college at all. By using this toolkit, districts and schools can ensure that every student has access to the financial support they are eligible for, and that no student is forced to forgo opportunities because of cost.

The FAFSA is open now. Use this toolkit to strengthen your FAFSA completion strategy and help your students take full advantage of the resources available to them.