Simpler FAFSA Will Make Life easier

Elizabeth Lemieux Staff Writer

For years there have been discussions in the US Capitol on how to improve the financial process for higher education. This year the country finally has something to work with, as elements of the proposed FAFSA Simplification Act have been signed into law.

On December 27, 2020, a crowded bill titled “The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021” was approved. Elements of the FAFSA Simplification Act of 2019 are present in this bill and will take effect July 1, 2023. This means SNHU’s current freshman enrolled in a four-year or longer program may get to experience the new FAFSA first-hand.

Justin Draegar, President of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA), admits there are a few issues with the bill, but applauds the bipartisan support which led to its ratification because it has been twelve years since any big changes were made to the financial aid process.

First, the FAFSA is often considered an arduous, lengthy task similar to the chore of doing taxes. The Simplification Act will shorten the form and provide fewer questions. There are currently 108 questions, and it is planned to reduce that number to a maximum of 36. Two questions they plan to pull from the form ask about selective services and drug-related convictions, says NAFSAA and NerdWallet.

Second, the FAFSA will be translated into more languages. Currently English and Spanish are the only options provided, isolating those who speak other languages.