The Delaware Department of Education is offering support to students applying for financial aid for college who have been affected by delayed federal financial aid determinations.

“We will continue to look for ways to remove hurdles and provide direct support to help students interested in pursuing their education after high school find the resources and assistance they need to succeed,” Secretary of Education Mark Holodick said.

The U.S. Department of Education recently transformed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. The newer FAFSA reflects changes to processes that had not been updated in 40 years, including changes to the length of the FAFSA form and eligibility calculations.

While these changes ultimately will benefit more than 7 million students who will be eligible to receive a Pell Grant, the new FAFSA roll out has had challenges, including a three-month delay in the opening of the 2024-25 FAFSA application and delayed responses.

As of March 1, 32% fewer Delaware high school seniors have filed a 2024-2025 FAFSA than last year, reflective of the national trend. Regionally, 35.7% fewer students have filed a FAFSA.

Both the state’s SEED and Inspire scholarships require FAFSA completion so it is imperative that students complete the FAFSA before the fall 2024-25 semester begins. To date, the federal processor has transmitted significantly fewer FAFSA results to states and colleges, which will delay financial aid and scholarship awarding. 

DDOE’s Higher Education Office is working to support Delaware students and increase FAFSA completion. 

• Statescholarship application deadlines were extended to allow more time for students to complete their FAFSA and for the federal processor to send results to the state.
• The state FAFSA completion deadline of May 15 will be extended through June 15, or longer if needed to account for further federal delays or issues.
• DDOE has contracted with Stand By Me to provide direct FAFSA completion supports to every high school senior, at no cost to the school or the student. Stand By Me provides in school FAFSA support and virtual appointments including evenings and weekends.
• DDOE also will launch community-based FAFSA completion supports to students and families from May through September to reach students outside of high school settings.