FAFSA 2025-26 delays causing missed May 1st college deadlines - is this investigation serious?

Yes, I heard the same podcast! The investigation is real - Congress actually launched an official inquiry into the Department of Education's handling of the FAFSA modernization. The rollout has been a complete disaster and they're looking into accountability. The podcast mentioned that many colleges are in a difficult position because they can't generate accurate aid packages without complete FAFSA data, but they're hesitant to officially move decision deadlines without coordinated action. FYI - about 75% of colleges have actually pushed their deadlines back already, though not all have announced it publicly. You should contact each school's financial aid office directly and ask about their specific deadline policies given the FAFSA delays. Most are being flexible even if they haven't made formal announcements.

my sons college pushed the deadline to june 15th but they didnt even email us about it!!! had to find out from the facebook parents group. you shoud check those 2 for your daughters schools

The investigation you heard about is being conducted by the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. They're examining the FAFSA rollout failures and why contingency plans weren't in place. Here's what you need to know about deadlines: 1. About 80% of colleges have extended their decision deadlines, typically to June 1 or later 2. Even schools that haven't officially announced extensions are generally granting them upon request 3. The Common App has recommended all member institutions extend deadlines 4. The Department of Education is now processing applications faster, but the backlog is still significant Contact each school's financial aid office specifically about your FAFSA status - many are creating estimator tools to give you preliminary packages while waiting for official SAI calculations. Also, directly request deadline extensions using language like "due to the delayed FAFSA processing affecting our ability to make an informed financial decision.

I've been trying to call FSA for weeks to check our status and kept getting disconnected or waiting for hours. FINALLY got through yesterday using Claimyr (claimyr.com) - they have this system that holds your place in line and calls you when an agent is ready. Saved me 3+ hours of hold time! There's a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ The agent confirmed they're processing applications much faster now and acknowledged the deadline issues. She recommended contacting schools directly to request extensions while our FAFSA processes. According to her, most schools understand the situation and are being flexible even if they haven't publicly changed their policies.

The podcast is correct about the investigation but SOMEWHAT exaggerating about the Department being empty. I work with several college financial aid offices (consultant) and can tell you what's really happening: - Yes, Congress is investigating the FAFSA rollout failures - The Department is severely understaffed but not empty - Many schools are waiting to see what other schools do before officially extending deadlines (competitive concerns) - Almost ALL schools are granting extensions when requested individually - Some schools are creating estimated aid packages based on previous formulas Your best strategy: 1. Email each financial aid office explaining your situation 2. Explicitly request deadline extensions citing the FAFSA delays 3. Ask if they can provide preliminary aid estimates while waiting for official SAI 4. Get everything in writing (some front-line staff give incorrect information) The National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) has also been pressuring schools to formally extend deadlines, so we should see more announcements soon.

the whole system is rigged anyway. my kids FAFSA has been "processing" for 2 months and we cant get ANY answers from anybody. schools dont care either they just want our $$$$

Here's an important update that wasn't mentioned in the podcast: The Department of Education just announced they've processed over 3.5 million FAFSA forms as of last week, which is significant progress compared to where they were a month ago. They're now processing approximately 250,000 forms per week. If your daughter submitted her FAFSA within the past 6-8 weeks, there's a good chance it will be processed soon. The SAI (Student Aid Index) calculations are being sent to colleges in batches, and colleges typically need 1-2 weeks after receiving the SAI to prepare aid packages. Regarding the May 1st deadline - the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) has officially requested all colleges extend their deadlines. Most are complying, even if they haven't updated their websites yet. You have legitimate grounds to request extensions from any school that hasn't received your FAFSA data.

my sons freinds dad works at a college and said ALOT of kids aren't even bothering with FAFSA this year because of the mess. there gonna be like 40% less pell grants given out because of all this!!! government mess