ST. LOUIS — Some St. Louis-area colleges and universities are looking at new ways to support students seeking financial aid since the rollout of new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) has delayed institutions from awarding scholarships and financial aid across the country.

What You Need To Know

  • It comes after the U.S. Department of Education announced that colleges and universities would not receive student financial aid information until mid-March

  • The University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL), said the FAFSA delays have created a lot of uncertainty for students applying for financial aid and the university does not yet know the full impact of the delays that students are experiencing

  • In a statement, Harris-Stowe State University said the new FAFSA process is anticipated to be more streamlined, which will result in more students potentially eligible for Pell Grants

  • St. Louis University is launching its own institutional aid application that mirrors FAFSA, which will enable families to receive comprehensive financial aid awards by the end February

It comes after the U.S. Department of Education announced that colleges and universities would not receive student financial aid information until mid-March.

Michelle Jolly’s daughter Jackie is a senior at Francis Howell North High and will play soccer in college. 

“Until we get the results, we don't know where we can afford to send her,” Jolly told Spectrum News.

She said coaches need to know their decision soon to ensure there are enough players for their teams. 

“We are, unfortunately, going to have to make a decision and pray we can afford it,” Jolly said. 

Reggie Hill, vice chancellor for strategic enrollment and career advancement for the University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL), said the FAFSA delays have created a lot of uncertainty for students applying for financial aid and the university does not yet know the full impact of the delays that students are experiencing.

“We are supporting students considering UMSL in any way that we can, and we hope that they will have adequate time to compare their financial aid offers from different institutions before finalizing their college plans,” he said.

In a statement, Harris-Stowe State University said the new FAFSA process is anticipated to be more streamlined, which will result in more students potentially eligible for Pell Grants.

While there have been numerous training sessions and seminars regarding the new FAFSA, the university said financial aid directors and counselors have not had the chance to acquire hands-on experience with the updated system.

“This lack of practical exposure means they're not fully equipped to address potential issues and educate our students and their families effectively,” the statement says.

“These delays in the FAFSA process are concerning because they hinder the ability of the families we serve to plan adequately for out-of-pocket expenses, bills and other financial obligations. This delay particularly impacts first-generation college students, for whom financial planning and support are crucial.”

St. Louis University is launching its own institutional aid application that mirrors FAFSA, which will enable families to receive comprehensive financial aid awards by the end February, according to a press release.

The proactive financial aid awards provided by SLU will stand independently from the FAFSA filing that families will still need to do.

Students can find SLU’s new SLU institutional aid application in Billiken Gateway portal once it’s launched.

Additionally, SLU is suspending all applications for financial aid deadlines to allow families to submit applications when they are able to do so, according to the press release.

"Selecting a college is a monumental decision, and the FAFSA delay only adds an extra layer of stress,” said Rob Reddy, SLU’s vice president for enrollment management. "We understand the magnitude of this decision for families, and we are committed to supporting them throughout the process.”

To accommodate questions and concerns, SLU will offer extended financial aid counseling hours for both online and in person.

“SLU has always taken a personalized approach to financial aid,” Reddy said. “Taking these innovative actions is a way for us to live our Jesuit mission and to extend a helping hand to students and families at a time they need it most.”

The university is reaching out to families on solutions to address the FAFSA delay and more information will be sent to them in the coming days and weeks.