Latest news with #FreeApplicationforFederalStudentAid
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Adults 25-55 Now Eligible for free industry-specific degrees, at JCC via SUNY program
WATERTOWN, N.Y. (WWTI) – Adults ages 25 through 55 are now eligible for no-cost, industry-specific degrees at Jefferson Community College via the SUNY Reconnect Program. Governor Kathy Hochul announced the 'New York State Opportunity Promise' initiative recognizes that higher education is a pathway to economic opportunity and upward mobility. The state launched SUNY Reconnect, a program designed to remove barriers for adult learners ages 25–55. JCC offers free tuition to boost education in key fields Via the program, eligible state residents who have not yet earned a college degree can, after filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), receive extra funding to cover any additional costs for tuition, fees and books. Students will not have to take out loans. Jefferson Community College is proud to support Governor Hochul's bold vision to expand access to higher education for adult learners through the SUNY Reconnect initiative. We remain committed to providing the guidance, flexibility, and academic excellence necessary to help students achieve their educational and career goals. Jefferson Community College President Dr. Daniel Dupee Dedicated advising will be available for those entering the SUNY Reconnect program to help guide students through the course selection and scheduling process, to help alleviate the stress of trying to fit college into a busy lifestyle, for those who work full or part time and have family commitments outside the classroom. As part of the SUNY Reconnect initiative, here are the following JCC programs are eligible: Childhood Education, A.A. Childhood Education, Birth-Grade 2, A.A. Childhood Education, Birth-Grade 6, A.A. Nursing, A.A.S. Computer Information Technology, A.A.S. Computer Information Systems, A.S. Computer Science, A.S. Engineering Science, A.S. To learn more about SUNY Reconnect and eligible programs at JCC, contact enrollment services at (315) 786-2437. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
West Virginia among top states for FAFSA completion
CHARLESTON, (WBOY) — West Virginia now ranks 15th in the nation for FAFSA completion, even without a statewide FAFSA mandate. According to the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, West Virginia accomplished the number through strategic outreach, data-driven coordination and intentional community engagement. Some of the approaches include: The WV FAFSA Day, which brings together multiple high schools and colleges and increases public visibility The CFWV Champions of College Access and Success Challenge, which rewards schools for FAFSA completion benchmarks TXT 4 Success, a text message program that provides guidance to students Special tools and resources for counselors, including a FAFSA completion portal and regular updates Bill DeBaun, Senior Director at the National College Attainment Network in Washington, was happy to see West Virginia's numbers. These are the best schools in West Virginia, new 2025 report says 'West Virginia's success, and approach, offer a lot for other communities and states to learn from,' DeBaun said. 'Thoughtful, coordinated efforts like these that support practitioners in districts and schools make a big difference. West Virginia is expanding students' opportunities to access the financial aid that makes education after high school a more affordable possibility.' The FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is what high school seniors fill out to learn if they are eligible for grants, scholarships, work-study programs and loans for college or career school. You can learn more about the FAFSA, its requirements and deadlines here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Tennessee leads nation in FAFSA application rate
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Tennessee is topping the charts, not in music, but in the number of completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) applications. According to the nonprofit, the National College Attainment Network (NCAN), the Volunteer State leads the nation in FAFSA completion. The state reported 75.7% of Tennessee Promise students completed the FAFSA, a record-breaking rate for Tennessee. 'I think a lot of educators try to teach and prepare students for the future, and college, attending college to further that education is one of their pathways beyond high school,' Jason Seay with the Tennessee Higher Education Commission said. FAFSA is federal financial aid to help students pay for college. Tennessee typically ranks in the top two or three in the country for its FAFSA completion rate. This year, the TN Higher Education Commission credits the state's 'all hands on deck' approach to its highest application completion rate yet. 'That tremendous network of college access organizations statewide that help students at the high school level, in addition to school counselors, educators, financial aid administrators,' Seay said. 'All that centered around that FAFSA Frenzy Campaign is something we rely on each and every year to become the leader in the nation of FAFSA completion.' In addition to the state's high FAFSA application completion rate, the Class of 2025 also saw a record-breaking number of students apply for the 'last dollar scholarship,' which covers tuition and other fees for community or technical college that the FAFSA doesn't. ⏩ The priority deadline for the FAFSA for the Tennessee Promise scholarship has passed, but other students participating in different programs still have time to apply for federal financial aid. To complete the FAFSA, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Epoch Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- Epoch Times
Education Department Finds $90 Million in Improper Student Aid Payments
The U.S. Department of Education has The agency released the findings on May 28 as part of a broader effort to restore oversight tools and reduce fraud in federal student aid programs. Officials said the improper payments occurred over the past three years and were tied in part to lapses in verification systems that had been paused. 'From start to finish—filling out the FAFSA [Free Application for Federal Student Aid] form to loan repayment—the American taxpayer underwrites federal student aid programs,' Education Secretary Linda McMahon said in a statement. 'We are committed to protecting and responsibly investing their hard-earned dollars.' According to the department, more than $30 million went to recipients who were listed as deceased. A cross-check with the Social Security Death Index flagged the error. Officials said they have strengthened real-time data-sharing with the Social Security Administration to help prevent similar mistakes in the future. Other cases involved identity fraud and immigration-related ineligibility. In March, the department resumed flagging suspicious FAFSA applications using data models designed to catch inconsistencies or signs of identity misuse. A recent review found that nearly $40 million in Direct Loans and $6 million in Pell Grants were issued to people who did not qualify. Officials said individuals granted immigration parole status—temporary permission to remain in the country—are not immediately eligible for aid. To better identify these cases, the department said it has received updated data from the Department of Homeland Security. Related Stories 5/22/2025 5/8/2025 An additional $10 million in improper Direct Loan payments was linked to a pause in a system known as the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) post-screening. The NSLDS process alerts financial aid offices when a student has reached federal limits or had a change in eligibility. That tool was restored earlier this year, the department said. The department added that many of the protections and processes being resumed were in place before the COVID-19 pandemic but had been delayed or deprioritized in recent years. The statement also noted that the Office of Federal Student Aid is working with law enforcement to investigate and prosecute fraud cases. The agency encouraged students and parents to visit While the department did not provide a full breakdown of how the errors occurred or how many recipients were involved, it said the new oversight measures would help close existing gaps. The announcement comes as the federal student aid system faces renewed With millions of borrowers now past due or in default, the Education Department has also resumed involuntary collections, including tax refund seizures and upcoming wage garnishments for those who remain in default. Tom Ozimek contributed to this report.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Tennessee leads nation in FAFSA completion
Tennessee students lead the nation in completing their Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, according to the nonprofit National College Attainment Network. The ranking was announced in a May 21 news release from the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, which hailed the ranking as "a major milestone" as the state works to ramp up access to higher education. The application isn't just for securing federal aid — it's also required for all students who wish to receive any form of financial aid for college, including scholarships, grants and other assistance. "This recognition reflects the hard work of our schools, counselors, and communities across the state," commission director Steven Gentile said in the release. "Being number one in the nation shows what's possible when we prioritize student access to financial aid and higher education." The news comes after a federal overhaul of the FAFSA led to glitches and delays for students nationwide last year. The issues left financial aid decisions in limbo for millions. The commission also named 158 high schools statewide as "FAFSA Champions" for the 2024-25 school year in its annual FAFSA Challenge. The winning schools have a 90% or higher FAFSA completion rate or logged at least 5% in year-over-year growth for completion rates. See the complete list of Tennessee's FAFSA Champions and learn more at This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee leads nation in FAFSA completion
