In December 2020, Congress passed the FASFA Simplification Act, which significantly overhauls the process and systems used to award federal student aid. This includes the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) form, the need analysis that determines aid eligibility, changes to terminology, and many policies and procedures for schools, like Shippensburg University, that participate in federal student aid programs.
With the significant delay in the planned release of the new FAFSA application by the US Department of Education, Shippensburg University understands the frustrations many students are experiencing. The university is committed to supporting students and is providing potential new students with more time to review their financial aid offers and make an educated decision on enrolling at Ship.
We are ready when you decide that Ship Is It, and our admissions and financial aid teams are here to assist you during this time. Please contact us at (717) 477-1231 with any questions or concerns or email us at admissions@ship.edu and our admissions team will be more than happy to help you.
All 10 PASSHE universities either use rolling admissions to continuously review applications or are extending the deadline to at least May 15 for new students to commit to a college or university. In addition, the universities have committed to ensuring flexibility to help students and their families through the process. The traditional deadline in the US is May 1—commonly referred to as National College Decision Day.
“PASSHE universities are doing everything they can to give students and families more time to consider financial aid offers,” said PASSHE Chancellor Dan Greenstein. “We know that most of our students are from low- and middle-income families, and they rely on financial aid to attend their PASSHE university. Going to college and earning a degree or credential is life changing, and those decisions should not be rushed. This extension gives students the time and flexibility to consider their financial aid options and make informed decisions.”
Filing the FAFSA online helps determine if a student qualifies for a federal Pell Grant, the Pennsylvania State Grant, scholarships provided by universities and federal student loans.
“I encourage all high school seniors and any other potential students to complete the new, streamlined FAFSA form as soon as possible,” said Greenstein. “Submitting the form is the vital first step to accessing grants, scholarships and other free aid that many Pennsylvania students need and deserve.”
Universities are informing prospective students about the extended commitment deadline and will work to provide financial aid offers as soon as FAFSA data is made available by the U.S. Department of Education.
The 2024-25 FAFSA application is available at StudentAid.gov/FAFSA. Additional information is available from each PASSHE university’s Financial Aid Office and the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA).
