In the News

FAFSA Support

This year’s financial aid application process caused many challenges for students and families. The launch of the new “Better FAFSA” form was delayed, creating significant barriers to completion, especially for families of mixed-documentation status.      

We want to reassure applicants, families, and partners that we are doing everything we can to provide flexibility to those impacted by these challenges. Applicants and families, please know we are here for you and will continue to work together to overcome these barriers.  

As we head into a new academic year, we’d like to pause and reflect on our work so far in 2024.

Throughout this year’s application cycles, we: 

  • Shared tips & tricks for students & families to ensure eligibility; 
  • Extended deadlines for applicants to submit their FAFSA/WASFA; 
  • Accepted screenshots of applicants’ FAFSA/WASFA submissions to conditionally select them before final verification so students could determine their financial aid package before beginning their program;  
  • Discussed options with families who decided they cannot or will not complete the FAFSA this year; and 
  • Contacted all applicants if we couldn’t confirm their FAFSA/WASFA submission to troubleshoot issues. 

To our applicants and families, we are so glad you didn’t give up. 

Your future career and access to higher education are essential. 

Headshot of woman smiling in front of trees
Lyanne O’Connell, Awards Administration Director

”We will continuously do what is best for our Scholars to make college affordable and attainable. Remember, the staff at WSOS are deeply invested in your educational journey. We believe that access to higher education and your future career are essential.”

Lyanne O’Connell, Awards Administration Director

Our team, state, employers, and schools want to see you enrolled, and we all want you to get access to the financial aid you deserve! 

Thank you for hanging in there; we are in this together.