Emerging digital tool aims to assist Minnesota students struggling with FAFSA applications – Public News Service

The effect of technical glitches in overhauling the student financial-aid form known as FAFSA is still causing chaos for families trying to secure loans, grants, and scholarships for their college-bound kids. In Minnesota, FAFSA completion is down 16%, prompting the nonprofit North Star Prosperity to launch a new digital tool named Wyatt to assist students in navigating the process.

Mike Dean, the executive director of North Star Prosperity, emphasized the importance of completing the FAFSA form, especially for families with incomes below $80,000, as college is now free in Minnesota for eligible households. The deadline for accessing aid for the upcoming school year is June 30, 2025, and Dean urged students and families to take action now.

The Minnesota Office of Higher Education stressed the significance of applying early to determine eligibility for various types of aid, enabling students to make informed decisions about enrollment. The state’s free tuition program, implemented last year, aims to eliminate barriers to higher education and reduce student debt.

Dean reassured skeptics about Wyatt, the AI-powered FAFSA adviser, emphasizing that it was developed by experts to provide accurate answers. The tool is available 24/7 to address questions and concerns related to the FAFSA form, ensuring a smoother process for students and families navigating the financial aid system.