The head of the state's higher education department wants Minnesota parents to know there's help available filling out those FAFSA forms.
Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid program forms can be overwhelming for many. Despite that Minnesota Office of Higher Education Commissioner Dennis Olson says everyone should fill out the form and that the program is not income dependent.
"I think one of the misconceptions is that many families just assume or believe they are over income and choose not to fill out the FAFSA," Olson says. "Understanding that a lot of aid between the feds and state have different qualification requirements and institutional aid is awarded on the results of the FAFSA as well."
Olson says participation in the state is down 16 percent, and they have received two grants that will be used to help more people with the forms.
One of the main reasons application are down are due in part to technical difficulties associated the with new FAFSA form launched in December. Nationally, applications are down over 20 percent.
“A student’s financial aid package is often the determining factor in whether they enroll,” Lieutenant Governor Flanagan said. “In Minnesota, we have made historic investments to better support our students and break down financial barriers to ensure anyone who wants to attend college has that opportunity. To all Minnesotans: the time to apply for financial aid is now.”
Increasing FAFSA completion has been a focus for state officials in recent years. In 2021, the State of Minnesota set a goal to increase FAFSA filing by five percentage points every year, with a focus on closing gaps in filing for Black, Indigenous, and other students of color.
Over $2.5 billion in financial aid is awarded in Minnesota every year. You can get more information and assistance from the state here.