Families scrambling, schools adjusting amid FAFSA-related delays

SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) - With an upcoming college decision date fast approaching and financial aid opportunities delayed, many prospective students are now scrambling.

“It was overwhelming. We had filled up our day with appointments, but we took walk-ins,” said Greg Matthews, vice president of enrollment at Western New England University.

Matthews spent their recent student acceptance day in the financial aid office. He told us that his team saw high foot traffic as prospective students weigh college decisions without financial aid information.

“From about 8 to close to 3, it was nonstop meeting people,” Matthews explained. “We had a student acceptance day last weekend and I was working in the financial aid office to help them out because it was very busy because of this topic.”

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) redesigned their application process this year, but that led to considerable delays. What used to be released in the fall wasn’t open to students until January 1. Although a shorter process, confusing phrasing on the form has led to misunderstandings from those filing.

“One student, for example, she competed the form in January, January 2, when the form was available. Until now, she can’t go in there, make her corrections, have her contributor come in and complete their section and submit the form, so I mean that student is very frustrated right now,” said Dr. Rose Boulay, Springfield Promise program administrator.

Boulay, who helps Springfield Public School students navigate resources to pay for college, explained how this year’s changes have impacted students.

“Everyone understands what’s going on and how difficult it is for everyone involved and together they are trying to make it work,” Boulay noted.

That includes colleges and universities. Matthews told us that his team provided FAFSA estimates for their accepted prospective students to help them with their decision.

“In the beginning, we knew it was only supposed to be January, but we anticipated there could be additional problems, so we worked out a method to create estimates for families because if we made an estimate, then the families wouldn’t’ get a real significant change to the negative if they filled out the FAFSA and the FAFSA said they were going to get less money,” Matthews added.

May 1 is the national deadline for enrollment. Springfield College told Western Mass News that they’ve postponed it to June 1 to allow students more time to make a decision. American International College and the University of Connecticut has done the same. While this gives students more time to decide, Matthews told us it makes administrative processes, like registration and housing, more difficult for the school.

“It may work for some places, but we find our service to students will remain intact if we start in may…Other schools will be starting in June or beyond and we think that will create additional challenges for families that we don’t have to impose on them,” Matthews said.

Elms College told Western Mass News that as of now, they have not extended the deadline for student enrollment, but said in a statement:

“…We are considering adjustments and offer rolling admissions to ensure flexibility. Our commitment to personalized support for every applicant highlights our dedication to their educational journey.”

Additionally, Westfield State and Smith College told us that, although they have not extended the deadline, they are flexible based on conversations with individual students. UMass Amherst did not respond to our request for comment.

“If we can make sure all of the bugs are fixed by next year, it would definitely be a smoother path for everyone,” Boulay added.

Ultimately, everyone is hoping the headache is cured for next year.

“I really hope they get it together for next year. We’re still uncertain about how they’re going to be rolled out…I guess the biggest takeaway is that when an environment gives you things that you’ve never seen before, you have to be adaptable in order to succeed for both yourselves and your customers…or our students,” Matthews noted.

Matthews also told us that, today, finances and financial aid are the first factor when people are considering schools. Previously, it has been areas of study or resources.

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