Frostburg State University Extends Decision Day Deadline to May 15
Feb 19, 2024 8:00 AM
The U.S. Department of Education revised its Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) last year to simplify the application process and to help more students qualify for federal aid. Since its release in December, two months later than normal, they have been working to fix a plethora of technical issues associated with the updated form, causing a delay on when colleges receive student information until mid-March.
“Since we aren’t getting student financial information from the FAFSA until then, students won’t receive their financial aid package from Frostburg until April,” said Natalie Wagoner, Director of Admissions at FSU. “It will take us a little time to make sure all the information gets applied to accounts accurately, but right is better than first.” Wagoner continued, “In the long run, this revamped form will bring positive changes for many families.”
Understandably, families have been concerned because until they know how much financial aid they will receive, it is difficult to accept admission offers by the required May 1 deadline. The good news is that Frostburg’s Decision Day deadline has been extended to May 15 to allow students more time to consider their aid offer before submitting confirmation deposits.
FAFSA delays don’t mean a student’s aid will be rescinded or reduced. In fact, if students are eligible for federal aid under the new FAFSA, that aid, in its full amount, will be forthcoming.
Representatives noted in a statement released by the University System of Maryland, “While this is not how we hoped the new FAFSA would be introduced, we remain grateful for its intent: to make higher education more affordable for more students.”
Frostburg State University’s Financial Aid Office will host a "Money Talk$" event on Wed., Feb. 21 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Lane University Center to offer assistance completing the 2024-2025 FAFSA or the FSU Foundation Scholarship application. Students can also get help with their current FSU account.
According to FSU’s Director of Financial Aid, Travis Hitchins, “Our hope is that students coming by for lunch will find the event easily accessible and efficient for answering their financial aid questions.” The “Money Talk$” event will have several laptops available, but students are encouraged to bring their own device.
FSU’s Admissions Office is always available to help students make the best choice for themselves and their families. Anyone with questions should reach out at FSUAdmissions@frostburg.edu or call or text 301-835-2528.