Louisiana has recently made a significant change in its higher education policy by no longer requiring high school students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to graduate. This decision, approved by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education in a unanimous vote, marks a departure from the previous mandate that had been in place since 2020.
The FAFSA is a federal form that students must complete in order to access financial aid for college, including grants, scholarships, and federal student loans. The form collects information about a student’s financial situation, which is used to determine their eligibility for various types of financial assistance. While completing the FAFSA can be a daunting task for some students, particularly those from low-income families or first-generation college students, it is a crucial step in the college application process.
The decision to stop requiring FAFSA completion in Louisiana high schools comes after concerns were raised about the burden it placed on students and families, particularly those who may not have easy access to the resources or support needed to complete the form accurately. By removing this requirement, Louisiana is aiming to reduce barriers to accessing financial aid and make the college application process more equitable for all students.
In making this change, Louisiana joins a handful of other states that have also decided to no longer mandate FAFSA completion for high school graduation. Advocates for the change argue that forcing students to complete the form could inadvertently discourage them from pursuing higher education, particularly if they are overwhelmed by the complexity of the form or if they are unsure of their eligibility for financial aid.
While the decision to stop requiring FAFSA completion has been met with some criticism, particularly from those who believe that completing the form is an important step in helping students access financial aid, proponents of the change believe that it will ultimately benefit students by reducing stress and improving access to higher education.
It is important to note that while FAFSA completion will no longer be a requirement for high school graduation in Louisiana, students are still encouraged to complete the form in order to access federal and state financial aid for college. By removing this mandate, Louisiana is taking a step towards making the college application process more accessible and equitable for all students.
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