FAFSA concerns leave some UWM students uncertain about fall enrollment
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- While graduates wait to learn more about student loan forgiveness, current students are finding major issues as they wait to see if they'll be getting federal aid. There are delays because of changes to the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process.
The Department of Education did a complete overhaul of FAFSA. Because of that, the 2024-2025 application came out late, and there have been headaches ever since.
On campus Monday afternoon, a delay in getting answers from FAFSA has some UWM students unsure if they can return in the fall, like Marley Makowiak, who submitted her application in December.
"It's pretty frustrating because I need to know how much money I need to make over the summer," said Marley Makowiak.
"No, my award letter hasn't come. And so it's like, okay, well, how am I gonna afford next year's tuition?" said Ang Van Den Eeden, UWM student.
Seniors get to enroll in classes early. That's April 15 for Ang Van Den Eeden, but because she still doesn't know how much financial aid she's getting, she doesn't know how many classes to take.
"It's like I know what classes I need to take, but whether or not I can afford those credits and graduate the same timeline as I'm hoping is like kind of up in the air," said Van Den Eeden.
The Department of Education revised the application from 100 questions down to about 40. It was supposed to be easier, but a number of technical issues popped up.
"There have been situations where students and parents maybe don't have a Social Security number and therefore they can't sign the form," said Tim Opgenorth, financial aid director, UWM.
Opgenorth says in years past, applicants could make corrections later, but so far, not this year.
"At this current time, students and parents who submitted the form actually can't make any corrections," said Opgenorth.
May 1 is decision day, when incoming college students typically must accept or deny entry to a college.
"I haven't heard of a school that's sticking to their deadline. I wouldn't worry so much about May 1. I would worry about more when students and parents have the information they need to make a decision, then to go ahead and make a decision," said Opgenorth.
The Department of Education says soon, applicants will be able to make corrections. The FAFSA website will let you know when that'll be possible. For more information, click here.