Recent news surrounding Federal Student Aid has been dominated by reports of delays, glitches, and frustration stemming from the Department of Education's changes to the FAFSA application process. High school seniors, expecting a simpler application, have encountered difficulties that have left some uncertain about their post-graduation plans. Limited availability and technical issues during the soft launch period have compounded the challenges faced by students and families navigating the financial aid system.
Federal Student Aid (FSA) is an office of the U.S. Department of Education that is responsible for managing the federal student financial assistance programs. FSA's primary mission is to ensure that all eligible individuals can benefit from federal financial aid for education beyond high school. This aid includes grants, work-study funds, and loans for students attending college or career school. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a crucial form that students must complete to determine their eligibility for these financial aid programs.