The California Student Aid Commission reports a significant drop in high school senior FAFSA applications, with a 25% decline compared to February 2023. This decrease amounts to a substantial 48,000 students.

In a media briefing on February 27, hosted by Ethnic Media Services, a panel of experts discussed the fall in FAFSA applications and what is being done to get more applicants. 

Speakers

  • Dr. Daisy Gonzales, Executive Director, California Student Aid Commission (CSAC)
  • Catalina Cifuentes, Chair, California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) 
  • Keiry Saravia, Commissioner, California Student Aid Commission (CSAC)
  • Shawn Brick, Associate Vice Provost for Student Financial Support, University of California

Overall, FAFSA applications across the state have plummeted by 14%, while applications for the California Dream Act (CADAA) have dropped by a substantial 38%.

In response to this concerning trend, the state has decided to extend this year’s FAFSA and CADAA application deadline by 30 days, moving it from March 3 to April 2.

Approximately 55% of California students receive federal grants, which is close to the national average of 56%.

While FAFSA issues have not been entirely novel, previous rollout delays and technical glitches during last year’s cycle resulted in a 9% decline in applications by August 2023.

However, many experts and students attribute this year’s decline to heightened fears that undocumented students may have their information targeted for deportation.

Consequently, the percentage of financial aid-seeking students with at least one parent who is undocumented has significantly decreased by 44% this February compared to last year. This decline is evident in the number of Californians in this category, which has dropped from around 30,000 to 17,000.

Dr. Daisy Gonzales expressed her concerns, “things like eliminating the U.S. Department of Education, freezing federal funding and increasing immigration enforcement is leading many students to ask themselves whether it’s safe or even possible to apply for financial aid … with their future in question.”

Gonzales further emphasized the importance of CADAA application information, noting that it is held by the state of California and will only be used to determine eligibility for state and institution-based financial aid.

She shared her personal story, highlighting how financial aid played a pivotal role in her life. She explained, “I’m the daughter of immigrants, and grew up in foster care in LA County. I wouldn’t be who I am today if I weren’t able to access financial aid at the age of 17, go to community college and eventually transfer to a UC.”

Gonzales concluded by emphasizing the significance of extending the application deadline, stating, “This decision extends hope and support to students in real time, providing them with the opportunity to pursue their educational goals without the added stress of financial constraints.”

For students seeking assistance with applying for financial aid, CSAC offers free online and in-person Cash for College workshops, as well as phone and email hotlines.

Catalina Cifuentes expressed concern about the current financial aid application surge, stating that it is even more severe than during the global pandemic. She noted that while many students returned during the pandemic, she worries that by the time these students and their families realize they could have received tuition and fees covered, it may be too late. Working adults often face challenges such as full-time jobs, children, and spouses, making it difficult for them to return to school.

In Riverside County, which serves over 420,000 K-12 students across 23 school districts, Cifuentes highlighted the region’s relatively low college-educated adult population and the high number of first-generation college students. She advised students to apply and explore their options, emphasizing that they have ample time to decide about pursuing post-secondary education but only have this window to secure the maximum available aid.

Keiry Saravia, a first-generation student born and raised in Los Angeles to immigrant parents from El Salvador, shares her experience. She faced a difficult decision about whether college was even an option for her and whether she could afford it. Saravia hopes to pursue law school after completing her current studies and become an immigration and criminal lawyer. She expressed gratitude for the Cal Grant financial aid, stating that it would not have been possible without it. Without financial aid, she would have prioritized helping her family and ensuring that her sisters could attend college.

“Right now, even here at CSUN, where a lot of us have already submitted our our FAFSA, we’re still getting a lot of misinformation about whether we’ll be eligible again, whether it’s even feasible, whether our information will be safe, because we’re a predominantly Hispanic community, and a lot of undocumented students are scared.”

“But it just takes students continuing to push for help. More students need to know that they don’t have to stop after one application. They can keep applying until they’re eligible … because without these opportunities, many wouldn’t be in the positions that they’re in now, me included.”

“We hear a lot these days about student debt, rising tuition, skepticism about the value of higher education,” said Shawn Brick. “We need to focus not just on return on investment, but the value in terms of understanding the options it gives you for the rest of your life, educationally and employment-wise.”

In response to these concerns, the UC system, comprising 10 campuses, has extended its financial aid priority filing deadline to April 2, aligning with the state’s deadline. 

In the 2022-2023 academic year, nearly 70% of UC undergraduates received financial aid, and over 50% paid no tuition. Similarly, over 75% of California State University undergraduates received aid, with over 60% paying no tuition.

“Financial aid is about more than covering tuition. It can help students cover other costs while enrolled in school — that includes food, housing, transportation, books and supplies. You can afford college. We’ll make sure that’s a reality,” concluded Brick.

 

Images provided by Ethnic Media Services