Several Democratic senators introduced legislation Monday to make the financial aid application process for graduate and undergraduate students easier.
The Simplifying Financial Aid for Students Act of 2018 would simplify the FAFSA form to make it easier to complete for low-income students. It does this by reducing the number of questions a student would need to answer if she or he is a recipient of a means-tested program. It would also increase the number of questions based on tax filing characteristics.
“We know that when a student completes the federal financial aid form, he or she is more likely to receive aid, attend college, and graduate from college,” Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), one of the sponsors of the bill, said. “But sadly, less than half of today’s high school students complete the form, and students from underserved backgrounds complete the form at even lower rates than their peers. We must make the process of obtaining aid for higher education easier. Our bill would simplify the complicated process in order to reduce barriers to higher learning for students from marginalized populations.”
The bill is also sponsored by Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Doug Jones (D-AL), Kamala Harris (D-CA), and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV).
“When students are discouraged from even applying for federal financial aid because of the complexity of the process, our nation fails the bright, young individuals who are simply seeking to further their education in pursuit of their goals,” Blumenthal said. “As we continue to fight the student debt crisis, simplifying the process to apply for federal assistance is a critical first step towards getting financial aid into the hands of those who need it most.”
Specifically, the bill would deem a student eligible for a “zero expected family contribution” determination if the student is a recipient of means tested programs. Further, it would require the FAFSA to use the most minimal set of data elements when assessing student need. In addition, it would make FAFSA accessible for completion on a mobile device.
“Our young people should be able to pursue a higher education without worrying about drowning in debt after they have earned their degree. That’s why I’m proud to support the Simplifying Financial Aid for Students Act which would make the application process for federal financial aid easier and more accessible for low-income students,” Gillibrand said. “I will continue to fight for common sense legislation to lift the burden of access to financial aid.”
The legislation would also eliminate the Selective Service registration and prior drug convictions from student eligibility criteria for federal student financial aid.
“As the first in my family to go to college, I know firsthand how important the opportunity to pursue higher education can be to achieve the American Dream. But right now, needless obstacles are putting that dream in jeopardy for far too many American students,” Merkley said. “Income, background, and access to technology shouldn’t put students at a disadvantage. It’s time to remove hurdles to starting the college enrollment process and ensure that every student who wants to can pursue higher education.”
Additionally, it would consolidate questions regarding homeless status on the FAFSA and make DREAMers eligible for federal financial aid.
“For too long, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid has been overly complicated and burdensome for applicants,” Jones said. “Simplifying the financial aid process will remove a key barrier to higher education for Alabama students, streamlining the path to college particularly for low-income students. All students deserve a pathway to a quality, affordable education.”