EMU Today

YPSILANTI —  Eastern Michigan University Vice President for Enrollment Management Katie Condon-Martin has been selected by Bridge Michigan to join a panel of experts for a Zoom discussion, “Figuring Out The FAFSA Fiasco.” The event takes place Wednesday, April 24, from noon-1 p.m. via Zoom. Visit Bridge’s registration website to sign up for the event. 

According to Bridge, “This was supposed to be a simpler year for filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using a new form. However, the process has been littered with delays and last week the U.S. Department of Education announced that an estimated 30% of applications for college financial aid were affected by unexpected processing or data errors. These delays make it difficult for schools and students to get an accurate picture of a student’s college costs.” 

In describing the impact of the FAFSA problems, Condon-Martin said, “Ample evidence exists that completing the FAFSA is a leading indicator of a high school student's likelihood of attending college. 

“According to data from the National College Attainment Network FAFSA tracker website, there's been a notable decrease of over 17,000 Michigan high school seniors filing FAFSA this year compared to the previous one. This represents a 34% year-to-year decline, and the decline is even more dramatic for students representing minority and lower income backgrounds.

“Despite ongoing efforts by colleges, universities, and high schools to encourage FAFSA completion since January, progress has been minimal over the past four months. FAFSA filing is crucial for students to access affordable education and pursue their academic aspirations.”

Other panelists include Diann Cosme, director of Michigan student aid at the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential, and Jamie Jacobs, deputy director of the Michigan College Access Network. Bridge education reporter Isabel Lohman will moderate the discussion.

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 13,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.