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Delays in Federal Aid Application Affect South Carolina College Enrollment

Delays in Federal Aid Application Affect South Carolina College Enrollment
Credit: scdailygazette

USA (Washington Insider Magazine) – Due to problems with the U.S. Department of Education’s new application process, South Carolina high school graduates who wish to apply for state-funded need-based college grants will encounter considerable obstacles. There has been a noticeable decline in the number of completed applications and prospective college enrollments due to the delayed and beset with technical issues rollout of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Technical Glitches Impact FAFSA Completion Rates

According to Scdailygazette, the rollout FAFSA was implemented to ease the process of receiving federal student loans and grants. However, its three-month delay and subsequent technological challenges resulted in an 11% decrease in completed applications for the Class of 2024 in South Carolina and nationwide. For the Palmetto State, this implies that around 3,300 fewer high school graduates will enroll in college this fall. Numbers are down by roughly 250,000 students nationwide, indicating that more students are delaying or choosing not to attend college at all.

Aid Eligibility Complications

Determining eligibility for need-based aid involves more than just family income. The federal formula also considers factors such as college costs, family size, and special circumstances like unemployment or high medical expenses. Many students who completed the FAFSA are still waiting to learn if they will receive the necessary funds to cover their tuition, including those applying for South Carolina’s need-based grants.

Student Struggles with the Application Process

For Dillon High School graduate Jorden Myers, the financial aid application process was particularly frustrating. Despite meeting the criteria for maximum federal aid, her FAFSA results initially showed ineligibility for a Pell Grant. Myers, who will be the first in her family to attend college, ultimately secured full tuition coverage through the Meeting Street fund. She hopes to serve as a role model for her younger siblings.

Persistent Issues and Delays

At Trident Technical College in North Charleston, about 10% of FAFSA submissions were delayed due to errors in the application system, requiring additional documentation or corrections. Nicole Burton, the school’s associate financial aid director, noted that some application questions were confusing for students, leading to mistakes that could disqualify them from aid. 

Widespread Impact on Students

The issues with FAFSA also affect returning college students who must reapply annually. Clemson University senior Allen Gomez experienced problems when his family’s account was deleted during the system transition, preventing him from logging in. Gomez, who aspires to attend medical school, relies on substantial financial aid, including Pell Grants and state scholarships.

Increased Demand for Financial Aid Guidance 

The Meeting Street fund reported a significant increase in calls from students seeking help with the federal financial aid process. John Huber-MacNealy, the program director, stressed that navigating the financial aid can be as much a barrier to college enrollment as the cost itself.

Enrollment Projections Remain Stable Despite Challenges

Despite the FAFSA complications, Clemson University and the University of South Carolina (USC) expect to meet their freshman enrollment targets. Preliminary numbers indicate USC’s freshman class size will be similar to last year’s 7,200 students, while Clemson continues to manage enrollment despite not providing specific estimates for the upcoming fall.

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