MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WHNT) — Gov. Kay Ivey proclaimed October as “FAFSA Completion Month.” The application for federal student aid recently opened, and state leaders stressed how important the form can be for the future of Alabama’s students.
According to Alabama Possible, only 55% of 2025 graduates filled out the FAFSA. Chandra Scott, executive director, said that leaves $79 million in Pell Grant money on the table.
“We know financial barriers are one of the top reasons why a lot of students opt out of the postsecondary access journey,” said Scott. “They just don’t even think about it. And so, we want to show students that there is a pathway.”
That pathway, according to Gordon Stone, executive director of the Higher Education Partnership, can be found by filling out the FAFSA. He said over the course of 40 years, people can earn a million dollars more with a four-year degree.
“It’s a great investment,” he said. “Even though, you may say ‘Oh my gosh, right now, what am I gonna do?’ That’s why FAFSA matters. But then, don’t forget, the return at the end is very significant.”
Stone said that investment is also important for Alabama’s workforce.
“If you have a dream that you wanna someday cure a disease, or someday you wanna be that community leader that makes things better in your hometown, whatever it is, pursue that dream with enthusiasm,” he said. “A four-year degree will help you achieve that dream.”
Scott explained that dream can start with financial aid. She said the FAFSA application has been streamlined and can now be completed in one sitting by anyone interested in going to college.
“The way we make sure that it’s a choice for all learners is to remove the financial barrier,” said Scott. “No matter your zip code- rural populations, suburban, urban- we want to make sure every student across the state of Alabama knows that this is an option for them.”
Scott said it’s important for students to complete the FAFSA in October, as most colleges have deadlines in November for housing and scholarships. She explained institutions use the FAFSA to award additional scholarships.
If you have questions about how to fill out your FAFSA, you can reach Alabama Possible here.
The post Gov. Kay Ivey proclaims October as ‘FAFSA Completion Month’ appeared first on WHNT.
