TEMPE, Ariz. — Students across the country are working to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.
According to the U.S. Department of Education, the 2024-2025 FAFSA form launched on Dec. 30 this year and “is the most significant overhaul of the form since it was created.”
Janeth Romo Cruz, a freshman student at Arizona State University, said she had attempted to fill out her application since January without avail and noted she was "nervous" thinking about the deadline.
“I get the Obama Scholarship, which covers my room and board and some of my tuition,” Romo Cruz explained. “And then I get the Arizona promise grant that covers the other part of my tuition.”
Romo Cruz said her mother experienced issues trying to sign the document because she does not have a Social Security number, an issue she didn’t experience last year.
“The new option that you have to click that says, ‘I don't have a Social Security number’, just hasn't been working for anybody ever since it opened," Cruz said. “Everyone with parents without a Social Security number hasn't been able to create an account for their parents.”
The U.S. Department of Education noted their website serves as a resource to help students experiencing issues with the application process.
Judy Reno, coordinator at the College Depot located at the Burton Library, said they’re part of the Arizona FAFSA coalition and they help students fill out their application.
“Some students are able to get through in just 15 minutes,” Reno said. “Other students are hitting some roadblocks, and we're having to work with them, one on one to help navigate those glitches”
Reno said she encourages students to keep trying and to reach out to them or other organizations for help.
“Document your process,” Reno said. “Showcase what you've been doing and what hurdles you've hit, and talk to your financial aid representative at the college or university you're going to so that they see where you're at and how hard you're trying, and then they can work with you to help you, help you achieve that, that deadline.”
DEADLINES:
- Priority deadline for all Arizona universities is May 1
- Federal deadline is June 30
Aliento, a nonprofit organization serving DACA and mixed immigration status families, is also hosting workshops to help students and families fill out FAFSA forms and provide information on in-state tuition opportunities.
- Saturday, June 22 at College Depot from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Saturday, May 25 at the College Depot at Phoenix College from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
UP TO SPEED
