Education Department's FAFSA Inflation Fix Adds $1.8 Billion in Aid for Students

• Author: Jeff Christiansen
• Posted: 2024-01-25

The U.S. Department of Education recently announced plans to update the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) formula, resulting in an additional $1.8 billion in financial aid for college-bound students.

This much-needed adjustment comes in response to the inflationary pressures experienced in recent years, which rendered the previous affordability calculation outdated.

This move aims to ensure that students receive adequate support in pursuing higher education.

The Impact of Inflation on Student Aid

One of the issues with the new FAFSA's affordability calculation, known as the "Student Aid Index," was its reliance on outdated consumer price index (CPI) figures from 2020.

The rise in inflation rendered these figures significantly understated, leading to an underestimation of the financial burden families could afford to bear. The Consolidated Appropriations Act mandates yearly updates to the Student Aid Index based on the latest CPI data.

However, the Education Department originally stated it would not update the tables until the 2025-26 aid cycle, causing concerns among students and higher education experts.

The Inflation Adjustment

In a positive turn of events, the Education Department has now confirmed that it will update the supporting tables for the Student Aid Index this year. By doing so, an additional $1.8 billion in federal student aid will become available to students.

This adjustment will reduce the portion of a family's income considered available for educational expenses, potentially resulting in increased financial aid eligibility.

These changes may particularly benefit middle- and higher-income students, making them eligible for a Pell Grant, a type of aid typically available to low-income families.

According to Mark Kantrowitz, a higher education expert, making the inflation adjustment could have a profound effect on students on the edge of Pell Grant eligibility.

This increase in financial aid could serve as a lifeline for many students who wouldn't have previously qualified for the grant.

However, for lower-income students whose expected family contribution was already at $0, the impact of the adjustment may not be as significant.

Consequences for Schools and Students

While the inflation fix is a welcome change, the timing has raised concerns for schools awaiting FAFSA information.

The Education Department had initially planned to send the completed FAFSA forms to schools in late January, enabling them to start building financial aid packages and allowing students and families ample time to review and compare offers.

The operational change announced with the inflation adjustment could potentially affect this timeline and cause further delays.

Conclusion

The Education Department's decision to update the FAFSA formula in response to inflationary pressures is a step in the right direction. By providing an additional $1.8 billion in aid, students will have greater access to financial support for pursuing their higher education goals.

This adjustment could potentially widen eligibility for Pell Grants, benefiting students from middle- and higher-income families. However, schools and students awaiting FAFSA information may experience some uncertainties due to the operational changes.

Further details on the timeline for this update are expected to be released soon, providing clarity to all parties involved