Financial aid delays cause hurdles for California students

Leslie Valdovinos experienced a summer filled with anxiety as she awaited her financial aid offer letter for her fourth year at California State University, Dominguez Hills.

“I don’t have a backup plan in case I can’t rely on financial aid,” expressed Valdovinos. “Financial aid is the only plan that I have.”

The restructured Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) presented widespread challenges, leading to delays in college decisions, particularly affecting “mixed-status” students in California. These students, who have at least one parent without a Social Security number, faced difficulties completing the form, resulting in delays in receiving financial aid information.

“It’s very stressful because tuition is going up, and I’m not sure how my financial situation is going to look like for this school year,” remarked Valdovinos.

While Valdovinos eventually received her financial aid offer letter on Aug. 8, a substantial number of students are still awaiting theirs. A survey by the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators revealed that as of May, 28% of students nationwide had not received their financial aid offer.

Azul Hernandez, a new student at California State University, San Bernardino, managed to secure scholarships to assist with school expenses.

California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB) initiated a $4,000 “backup” scholarship to aid low-income students experiencing financial aid delays.

“This initiative comes as a response to the challenges posed by FAFSA delays, with CSUMB committing to support its community by ensuring no student is left behind due to procedural setbacks,” mentioned a notice announcing the program.

Jonathan Ramirez, set to start at Victor Valley College soon, is concerned as he has not yet received his financial aid letter.

If he doesn’t receive his financial aid and needs to drop out of school, Ramirez intends to pursue vocational training or work to save money.

The decline in completed FAFSA forms across California worries Ashish Vaidya, president and CEO of Growing Inland Achievement.

Valdovinos benefitted from workshops and tutorials provided by her school to navigate the financial aid application process.

Valdovinos suggested that next year’s FAFSA application include “more detailed and accessible explanations for each section” to reduce confusion.

Despite the customary FAFSA timeline, delays in this year’s application process have hindered colleges from sending out aid awards.

The Department of Education announced a delay in the 2024-25 FAFSA to address and correct issues with the current form.

GIA aims to expand its efforts to reach more students and promote the message that “college is for everyone.”

Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona promised changes for the next year’s FAFSA.