My MBA Career: Navigating FAFSA Delays for First-Generation Pell Grant Students

Last Updated on April 15, 2024 by Robert C. Hoopes

High School Senior’s Dreams of Becoming a Pilot Grounded by FAFSA Rollout Issues

Bryce Kringstad, a high school senior from Grafton with aspirations of becoming a pilot, has found his plans on hold due to delays in receiving financial aid awards. He had applied to the commercial aviation program at the University of North Dakota (UND), but like millions of other students nationwide, he has been affected by the botched rollout of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Typically, UND issues financial aid awards in March, but this year, due to delays, glitches, and miscalculations in the FAFSA system, awards have been pushed back until early May. Kringstad, a first-generation college student, now faces the decision of either enrolling at a two-year college or taking a gap year while he waits for his financial aid award.

The troubles with the FAFSA system are not limited to incoming freshmen like Kringstad. Returning students such as Austin Null, a junior studying information systems and a Pell Grant recipient, are also experiencing challenges. Null has been unable to verify his tax information on the FAFSA form, leading to uncertainty about his financial aid for the next semester.

The delays and complications with the FAFSA system are causing stress and financial pressure for students like Null, who are unsure how they will cover tuition and living expenses. The situation is particularly difficult for Pell-eligible students, who are left in limbo as they await their financial aid awards.

As a result of the ongoing issues with the FAFSA rollout, students across the nation are being forced to make tough decisions about their educational futures and financial security. The impact is significant and far-reaching, highlighting the need for improvements in the student financial aid process.