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Problems with the federal financial aid program leave many college students in limbo
Computer glitches in the U.S. Department of Education’s recently overhauled financial aid system left many students unable to commit to a school.
Jojo Henderson, a senior from Pittsburg, Texas, was stuck in limbo for months as he waited to find out what kind of financial aid he could receive.
“I’m frustrated because it’s like you do everything you’re supposed to do and then you have to wait for the government to catch up,” Henderson told CBS News.
Henderson filled out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, known as FAFSA, nearly five months ago. With just a few weeks until graduation, he finally received his financial information last week – after some college deadlines had already passed.
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Typically, the Department of Education releases forms on October 1 and sends student data to colleges within one to three days of submission. This year, the registration forms came out three months late. An estimated more than 25% of colleges have yet to send out aid packages, according to a report last week from the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators.
New Jersey senior Jailen James finally received his aid package close to the decision deadline. She told CBS News that before arriving, she considered dropping out and not going to college.
“I was so tired of waiting,” she said.
As the FAFSA fiasco continues, Sara Urquidez, who oversees college counseling for thousands of public school students in the Dallas area, said those stuck waiting should catch up as much as possible.
“Ask for extensions. Ask if housing deposits are refundable. Ask for everything they can to help make [a?] decision” she told CBS News.
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