FAFSA rates increase, reversing pandemic trend

 

More Milwaukee Public Schools students are filling out a key application that unlocks opportunities to access grants, scholarships, loans and forms of aid to help pay for college.

The number of MPS students in the Class of 2022 who filled out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is up about 8 percent when compared to the same period last year for the Class of 2021. Nationally, the number of students filling out the FAFSA is up 4 percent, according to the National College Attainment Network.

The increase reverses the decline in FAFSA completion rates during the first years of the COVID-19 pandemic, mirroring trends in school districts around the country. A 2021 survey by education firm EAB found, in part, that high school students were having more difficulty accessing support networks of college counselors, teachers and coaches during the coronavirus pandemic.

Students must fill out the FAFSA to apply for federal student aid such as federal grants, work-study and loans. The application is free. Many states and colleges also use FAFSA information to determine eligibility for state and school aid, and some private financial aid providers may use FAFSA information to determine whether a student qualifies for aid.

After seeing completion rates steadily increase before the pandemic, MPS, MATC and UWM worked together through the M-Cubed partnership to address COVID-19 falloffs. FAFSA completion remains the most critical step to successfully enroll in a postsecondary program, especially for students from families with limited income.

Some M³ efforts this year include:

  • A press conference in October with past Mayor Tom Barrett to launch the opening of the FAFSA application for Fall 2022
  • Mini-grants to offer student incentives for FAFSA completion
  • A peer-led social media campaign
  • Over 200 FAFSA completion events throughout Milwaukee high schools

M³ partners will continue to work diligently to increase FAFSA completion and support students through the financial aid process as they prepare for the next step in their education.

Students can still fill out a 2022–23 FAFSA! Helpful resources are offered here.

For general FAFSA information, visit: