Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

FROM STAFF REPORTS
Nashville – The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) has announced that there will be a delay in the release of Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) records by the U.S. Department of Education for the 2024-25 academic year. Students considering college can expect a postponement in the processing of their financial aid applications.
The U.S. Department of Education has informed stakeholders that FAFSA records for the 2024-25 academic year will not be released to institutions until mid-March. This delay is attributed to program updates aimed at enhancing online functionality. While the FAFSA typically launches in October on StudentAid.gov, this year’s launch was delayed and became operational in January. Consequently, the delay in opening has resulted in a delay in delivering students’ information to institutions.
For Tennessee students, this delay may mean that financial aid offers from colleges of interest will be received later than anticipated. However, the delay will not affect the availability of funds for students enrolled in any state program, including the Tennessee HOPE Scholarship, Tennessee Promise, and Tennessee Reconnect.
Although delays are expected in processing FAFSA records, THEC assures students and their families that this will not impede their ability to access the support needed for their education. Students’ FAFSA information is expected to be sent to their selected colleges in mid-March. Colleges will then assess financial aid eligibility and ensure that students receive the aid for which they qualify.
Last month, THEC announced the extension of the Tennessee Promise FAFSA deadline to May 15, 2024, to accommodate the late opening and provide students with additional time to complete the form.
For students planning to enroll in the fall 2024 semester, the following are the most urgent deadlines:
April 15, 2024: Priority FAFSA Deadline for Tennessee Student Assistance Award (TSAA)
May 15, 2024: FAFSA Deadline for Tennessee Promise Scholarship
September 1, 2024: FAFSA Deadline for Tennessee HOPE Scholarship
THEC acknowledges the potential impact of this delay on students and families who rely on FAFSA records for informed decision-making about education financing. Students are encouraged to stay informed and reach out to their respective financial aid offices for guidance and support during this time.
THEC remains committed to supporting students in their pursuit of higher education and will continue to advocate for resources and opportunities that facilitate access to affordable and quality education for all Tennesseans. Students can visit CollegeForTN.org or contact Tennessee’s FAFSA Hotline at 1-800-342-1663 for more information and updates regarding the release of FAFSA records.