Five state recommendations for implementing universal FAFSA policies equitably¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · 1 claim (1 mixed) · 1 study (1 qualitative), q2 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 1 claim rests on one study

Description¶

Based on its findings, the report recommends that state legislators, state boards, and departments of education: provide dedicated funding for equitable implementation; include clear and accessible opt-out waivers; adopt complementary policies that promote college attendance such as direct admissions; develop user-friendly data dashboards for in-school personnel to track FAFSA completion; and establish accountability systems that "emphasize support and continuous improvement" rather than punitive measures. Funding should support financial aid personnel, training, technology access, and family outreach systems such as texting platforms and multilingual materials.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Dedicated funding for personnel, training, technology access, and family outreach systems
• Clear compliance guidelines and mechanisms for documenting legitimate FAFSA waivers

Constraints¶

• FAFSA completion rates are lowest in high-poverty and under-resourced districts, where unfunded mandates create disproportionate burdens

Target Learners¶

• high school seniors
• first-generation students
• students from low-income families

Target Learning Goals¶

• navigating the financial aid application process to access college funding

Claims¶

• State accountability systems that rank schools on FAFSA completion are perceived to penalize schools whose students pursue non-college pathways [~W]

Related Strategies¶

• Seven state recommendations for designing and implementing universal FAFSA policies

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Victoria Jackson, Kyla Hurns, and Paulina Fraser. (2026). Understanding the Implementation of Universal FAFSA Completion Policies in Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, and Louisiana. EdTrust. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED682438