The Florida FAFSA Finish Line has been updated to reflect FAFSA completion rates through February 20, 2015. Federal data collected shows over 2,400 more 12th graders in Florida have completed the FAFSA through February 20 compared to last year, an increase of 7.3%. The Florida College Access Network estimates that the total number of FAFSAs completed thus far will result in $65 million in Pell Grants eligible students can use for postsecondary opportunities.
By the numbers:
FAFSAs Completed Through 2/20/2015: 36,524
FAFSAs Completed Through 2/20/2014: 34,037
Increase: 2,487 (+7.3%)
The Florida College Access Network, along with partners including the Florida School Counselor Association, set a goal last November to increase the number of FAFSAs 12th graders in Florida completed by June 30th, 2015 by 4,600, which would result in an estimated increase of $10 million in Pell Grants students can use for college that never has to be repaid. During the first 6 weeks of the 2015-16 FAFSA application cycle, Florida students are already over half way towards meeting the $10 Million FAFSA Completion Challenge!
To meet this goal, every school in the state needs to get just 10 more high school seniors to complete the FAFSA compared to last year. Where does your school stand? Check out the newly updated Florida FAFSA Finish Line that includes data for all public schools and districts through February 20, 2015. Throughout FAFSA season, Florida CAN will keep you posted on which schools and districts are making progress in 2015.
And in case you missed it, check out the Florida FAFSA Completion Toolkit. The four-page document features features links with descriptions to resources, data and information such as College Goal Sunday (CGS!Florida), the FAFSA Finish Line data dashboard, the U.S Department of Education’s Financial Aid Toolkit, data on Pell Grants left behind by school district, how to get free tax assistance with the VITA program and much, much more.