FAFSA

Although the federal student aid application won’t open up until later this year, multiple Indiana-focused initiatives seek to increase college applications.

After last year’s chaotic rollout of what was supposed to be a simplified process, the U.S. Department of Education said FAFSA won’t be available to the public until Dec. 1.

Indiana high school and college students submitted 247,487 applications as of July 5.

As of June 21, only about 45% of high school seniors completed the FAFSA, according to data from the National College Attainment Network.

After a chaotic rollout from the U.S. Department of Education last fall, Ivy Tech and IU financial aid professionals will guide students through the process.

The federal government is rolling out a new version of the FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, that’s supposed to be simpler. But federal lawmakers describe it as a “disaster” and a “crisis.”

Only about 34 percent of Indiana high school seniors have completed the application for aid this year.

Students hoping to attend colleges and universities across the state are still waiting on financial aid packages after a new FAFSA form caused confusion.

Many schools are having to move back dates and deadlines, while answering lots of questions, including Ball State University.

Indiana requires almost all high school seniors to complete the form.