College students in West Virginia are facing delays in receiving financial aid offers this year because of setbacks in the process, education officials say.
The Department of Education was addressing a $1.8 billion error in for applicants, leading to delays in sending FAFSA data to schools until early to mid-March, with financial aid offers expected in April, .
In response to the delays, West Virginia has extended deadlines for state aid applications to May 1.
Brian Weingart, senior director of financial aid for the state’s , acknowledged the challenges, stating, “It’s well documented that it was a rocky start when it opened Dec. 31. Some students had some issues.â€
The new FAFSA version features significant changes, such as fewer questions, availability in multiple languages and the ability to list up to 20 colleges on the form. Officials said these changes aim to simplify the application process and increase eligibility for financial aid for low- and middle-income students, but the switch to the new process has created significant delays.
Statewide outreach underway
Nationally, just over 30% of students have completed the FAFSA this year.
Jessica Tice, senior director of communications for the HEPC, highlighted increased outreach efforts to assist students, including workshops and online resources.
“We always do workshops, both in person and virtually,†Tice said. “We have, of course, ramped up those efforts this year to help students with the new form.â€
Stories you might like
- How WV staved off clawback of federal COVID funds for education
- School district takes first step in plans for armed guards in elementary, middle schools
- Here are the details of the Kanawha County Schools armed security proposal
- MU flight school, based at Yeager Airport, takes delivery of first training helicopter
Cody Call, interim director of financial aid at Marshall University, emphasized the unprecedented nature of the challenges faced by financial aid offices this year.
“For us, it’s certainly not a normal year. It’s definitely kind of thrown things for a loop,†Call said. “We’re typically packaging for freshmen around Christmas. Right now, being this late in the year for packaging, it’s really thrown us for a loop, from a student’s perspective.â€
‘Working through the hiccups’
Call said the changes in the FAFSA have led to issues for students, including incorrect eligibility determinations.
“One particular case that we found was grad students completing the FAFSA and being told they were Pell [Grant] eligible. We’re assuming the Department of [Education] will work through those things. It’s only undergrad students who are eligible for that,†Call clarified.
Despite the challenges, he said the department is offering extra support to students and strives to maintain communication regarding updates. The university maintains a website — — where students can find resources, as well as learn about financial aid workshops scheduled to take place on campus.
“I think this is just a hump that we have to get over. I don’t think we’re going to see a loss of enrollment due to this,†Call said. “Everyone’s going to get their packages closely around the same time. I wouldn’t say you’re going to see a drop in enrollment. We have a good communication plan.â€
He stressed that all institutions are grappling with the same issues.
“This is the biggest change in the financial aid area in 20 or 30 years,†Call said. “I just think they’re working through the hiccups.â€
CLICK HERE to follow the ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä Gazette-Mail and receive
