Policy
Navigating Financial Aid Alone- A low-income first-generation student of color perspective on Univer
December 16, 2024
By Jovita Bell
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Navigating higher education is challenging, especially for someone like me, who was first introduced to financial aid at the age of 17. My journey from high school to college revealed significant flaws in the system students, especially those from underserved communities, are forced to navigate and understand financial aid. These systemic issues hinder equitable access to education and must be addressed.
In high school, I did not have access to workshops or resources to help students understand the financial aid process and complete FAFSA. Despite personalized assistance being absent, we were told that it is crucial to fill out the FAFSA and left to figure out the process alone without guidance. It did not make it better that my parents could not help me either. The task of filling out the FAFSA was daunting as I answered questions I needed help understanding or knowing the answer to. I wanted to fill out the form correctly and avoid getting penalized or losing aid.
This gap in support is not a unique story- it reflects a national crisis. Students who complete the FAFSA by the end of their senior year are 84% more likely to enroll in college. Furthermore, students from low socioeconomic backgrounds who complete the FAFSA are 127% more likely to enroll in college immediately after high school. Yet, these students need guidance to complete the FAFSA, increasing the risk of errors or incomplete submissions.
Even after entering college, navigating financial aid remained a challenge. I was blindsided by hidden fees such as textbooks, lab fees, and transportation. At my institution, information regarding financial aid is spread informally based on being “in the know.” This creates inequities for students by blocking access to funds for those not in the loop. In 2023, eligible Massachusetts students left $35 million in federal aid unclaimed due to incomplete FAFSAs.
This experience has made me realize the urgent need for reform in the financial aid process. High schools should provide comprehensive workshops that break down the FAFSA step by step, and there should be one-on-one assistance for students and their parents. Many parents, like mine, have not attended college and struggle to provide the necessary support during this critical time. The FAFSA often uses unclear language and lacks transparency, adding unnecessary stress to a difficult transition period. Providing more detailed explanations and clear instructions could significantly improve the experience for students from all backgrounds, ensuring they have equitable access to financial aid.
Passing Universal FAFSA in Massachusetts would require all graduating high school students to submit the FAFSA or MASFA application. These policies have been proven effective in states like Louisiana and Texas, where completing FAFSA has become a collaborative process for school counselors to provide community support to help increase FAFSA completion rates. Additionally, establishing a new line item in the state budget to further support underserved districts will help reduce barriers for economically disadvantaged students. Schools must start financial aid conversations earlier and establish personalized workshops and boot camps to assist parents and students in understanding and demystifying the FAFSA process, building trust, and reducing errors and incompletions. This will take resources and a commitment from Massachusetts to ensure more access to information about financial aid.
The current financial aid system disproportionately burdens students who cannot afford it. Universal FAFSA will expand financial literacy and increase transparency in college, streamlining the process of financial assistance while empowering students to focus on their goals and academics and reducing financial stressors.
In high school, I did not have access to workshops or resources to help students understand the financial aid process and complete FAFSA. Despite personalized assistance being absent, we were told that it is crucial to fill out the FAFSA and left to figure out the process alone without guidance. It did not make it better that my parents could not help me either. The task of filling out the FAFSA was daunting as I answered questions I needed help understanding or knowing the answer to. I wanted to fill out the form correctly and avoid getting penalized or losing aid.
This gap in support is not a unique story- it reflects a national crisis. Students who complete the FAFSA by the end of their senior year are 84% more likely to enroll in college. Furthermore, students from low socioeconomic backgrounds who complete the FAFSA are 127% more likely to enroll in college immediately after high school. Yet, these students need guidance to complete the FAFSA, increasing the risk of errors or incomplete submissions.
Even after entering college, navigating financial aid remained a challenge. I was blindsided by hidden fees such as textbooks, lab fees, and transportation. At my institution, information regarding financial aid is spread informally based on being “in the know.” This creates inequities for students by blocking access to funds for those not in the loop. In 2023, eligible Massachusetts students left $35 million in federal aid unclaimed due to incomplete FAFSAs.
This experience has made me realize the urgent need for reform in the financial aid process. High schools should provide comprehensive workshops that break down the FAFSA step by step, and there should be one-on-one assistance for students and their parents. Many parents, like mine, have not attended college and struggle to provide the necessary support during this critical time. The FAFSA often uses unclear language and lacks transparency, adding unnecessary stress to a difficult transition period. Providing more detailed explanations and clear instructions could significantly improve the experience for students from all backgrounds, ensuring they have equitable access to financial aid.
Passing Universal FAFSA in Massachusetts would require all graduating high school students to submit the FAFSA or MASFA application. These policies have been proven effective in states like Louisiana and Texas, where completing FAFSA has become a collaborative process for school counselors to provide community support to help increase FAFSA completion rates. Additionally, establishing a new line item in the state budget to further support underserved districts will help reduce barriers for economically disadvantaged students. Schools must start financial aid conversations earlier and establish personalized workshops and boot camps to assist parents and students in understanding and demystifying the FAFSA process, building trust, and reducing errors and incompletions. This will take resources and a commitment from Massachusetts to ensure more access to information about financial aid.
The current financial aid system disproportionately burdens students who cannot afford it. Universal FAFSA will expand financial literacy and increase transparency in college, streamlining the process of financial assistance while empowering students to focus on their goals and academics and reducing financial stressors.