Stritch staff share overview of Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Through January 2021, only 36.5% of the national high school class of 2021 had completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), according to the National College Attainment Network. This is 9% lower than the completion rate for 2020. Wisconsin ranks 34th nationally with 32.6% of this year's high school seniors completing the FAFSA, down 12% from 2020.

The FAFSA is a free, online and secure form administered by the U. S. Department of Education. More than $120 billion in federal aid is distributed annually to help students pay for college and is based on information collected on the FAFSA. FAFSA data is also used when the State of Wisconsin Higher Educational Aids Board determines student eligibility for grants, scholarships, loans and other tuition programs.

Staff members from Cardinal Stritch University's Admissions and Financial Aid offices explained how the completing the FAFSA opens the door to federal, state and institutional aid. The effects of COVID may have led to significant changes to a family's financial situation, which is why understanding not just how to complete the FAFSA, but the importance of submitting the information, is so critical.

Watch the February 15 session here. 
Watch the February 22 session here.

Sam Kraemer of FOX 6 Milwaukee reported on Stritch's outreach efforts in this news story.  

Want to connect with a member of the Stritch Financial Aid team?
Call (414) 410-4048 or email finaid@stritch.edu or visit this link.