A growing group of Florida college students are calling for standardized financial aid education—especially information about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) —to be integrated into high school curriculums. Seniors who complete the FAFSA are 84% more likely to immediately enroll in postsecondary education.
During a recent advocacy trip to the Florida Capitol, students from across the state shared powerful personal stories that emphasized just how life-changing FAFSA can be when students are given the tools to understand and access it early.
Jasiah Burrows, a sophomore at the University of South Florida, spoke about his challenges in navigating the financial aid process.
“Growing up, there weren’t many visible resources or conversations around how to apply for financial aid, the different types of aid available, or how to plan for college expenses early,” Burrows said. “Many students, including myself, had to figure things out on our own, and that process can be overwhelming and discouraging—especially for first-generation college students.”
Burrows believes including financial aid literacy into high school education could make a difference. “I know firsthand how confusing and intimidating it can be when you’re not informed early on,” he added. “I believe students deserve better preparation.”
Jessica Michelle Erwin, a pre-law junior also at the University of South Florida, echoed those sentiments. She credits FAFSA and dual enrollment programs for giving her the financial flexibility to pursue opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach.
“This financial freedom has been life-changing. Every student deserves the chance to explore higher education without being weighed down by financial barriers,” said Erwin.
For Clune Hill, a first-generation student at the University of Florida, understanding FAFSA opened the door to a full-ride scholarship and the chance to become a healthcare provider—without student debt.
“FAFSA became the lifeline I needed,” Hill said. “It was my understanding of FAFSA that enabled me to attend the University of Florida and pursue my dreams.”
Recent USF graduate Kailia Gilligan argued that early exposure is key. She believes that conversations about financial aid should happen well before students are applying to colleges.
“If students are taught about FAFSA earlier in high school—say, in their freshman year—they can better understand the paths available to them and prepare accordingly,” Gilligan said. “I was required to take a career class in high school. That would’ve been the perfect time to also learn about feasible ways to afford college.”
Michael Chaput, a College of Central Florida student, emphasized the community-wide benefits of increased FAFSA awareness. Through his work with the Citrus County Coalition for College and Careers under a US Department of Education grant administered by ECMC, he’s helped other students complete the FAFSA and witnessed its impact firsthand.
“I saw the changes it can make in the lives of the future generation,” Chaput said. “I wanted to contribute to its growth through aiding students in completing the form.”
As lawmakers debate education policy in the state, these students’ voices offer a compelling reminder that financial aid education is not just about forms and deadlines—it’s about empowerment, access, and opening the doors to opportunity for every student.
FCAN has various resources to help support FAFSA awareness and completion including:
- The Florida FAFSA Challenge: Encourages Florida schools and districts to increase their FAFSA completion rate by supporting students with the form
- FAFSA Completion Dashboard: Displays FAFSA completion data for over 600 Florida high schools
- FCAN’s 2025 Advocacy Agenda: Outlines FCAN’s policy priorities that will lead Florida to achieve its SAIL to 60 Goal