Arizona FAFSA completion up 6% since launch of statewide campaign after federal delays
Since the launch of a statewide campaign to get prospective college students to fill out the FAFSA, Arizona has seen a 6% increase in completion.
But the Arizona Board of Regents says its work isn’t done. ABOR’s Megan Gilbertson said Gov. Katie Hobbs has approved a $500,000 grant to continue their efforts.
“That grant is supporting some regional FAFSA workshops," Gilbertson said. "It’s increasing staffing for Arizona’s FAFSA hotline, and it’s also going to provide some gap funding to get counselors to be able to stay on their high school campuses through the summer to support students.”
So far, 28% fewer Arizona high school seniors have completed the FAFSA compared to this time last year.
Arizona has consistently ranked close to last in the nation for the number of students who complete the FAFSA annually. That’s been made even worse this year by issues on the government’s part.
The form usually opens for students in October each year, but because of changes the federal government made this year, it didn’t open until Dec. 31. Then came glitches that kept students from being able to complete it.
Note: A previous version of this story said a $5,000 grant instead of $500,000.
