A new law in Nebraska will require all public high school students to complete or opt out of filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before graduating. The goal is to ensure that students are aware of the financial aid options available to them for their post-secondary plans. Last year, graduating seniors across the country missed out on over $4 billion in Pell Grants by not filing the FAFSA.
In Nebraska alone, half of the state’s graduates left behind $23 million in federal aid by not completing the form in 2022. School counselors like Malinda Jean Baptiste at Lincoln Northeast High School believe that this change will open doors for students who may not have had access to financial aid otherwise. The law aims to help students understand their financing options for college and make higher education more accessible.
Lori Hemett, the counseling supervisor at LPS, supports the initiative as it aligns with the district’s goal of increasing graduation rates and ensuring students are prepared for the future. The new requirement will help students make informed decisions about their post-secondary education and access the financial resources available to them.
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