The FAFSA was created in 1992 to “simplify” applying for financial aid. Simplify? I cringe to think what the process was like before the current six page, 100 question document. What, did they have you walking over hot coals while reciting your available income and asset details? Were you required to battle to the death, like a gladiator, for the right to file your application? The current process is painstaking enough.

The truth is many Americans are so intimidated by the application process that they don’t fill out a FAFSA, and sadly, those are usually the families that need aid the most. Last year congress ordered the form streamlined, but in the same bill they added seven new questions to the application. Can someone please tell the left hand what the right hand is doing?

Even for those who do complete the FAFSA, many feel the form does not accurately depict a families financial need as it does a poor job of assessing financial worth and does not factor in the high cost of living. In addition, many students do not get assistance from Mom and Dad, although parental income and assets are used when determining eligibility for dependent students (those under 24). Is that fair?

The FAFSA reminds me of that old Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young song, Love the one you’re with. If you can’t have the form you want, love the one you’ve got.

Do you feel the FAFSA application is challenging? Do you think it’s unfair? We want to know. Sound off!

Five most recent FAFSA form help blog posts:

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