There was a 41% decrease in the number of Texas students who completed FAFSA this year.

Texas high schoolers are facing a significant challenge as they navigate the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) rollout. The Lone Star State saw a dramatic drop in completion rates, with some schools in the Dallas area experiencing up to a 30 percentage-point decrease compared to last year.

According to federal data analyzed by The Dallas Morning News, only about 35% of seniors in Dallas ISD completed the FAFSA by April 5, a sharp decline from over 60% the previous year. Statewide, Texas had about 41% fewer seniors finish the application by the same date compared to last year.

Educators and advocates are concerned that the troubled FAFSA rollout will have a more significant impact on students’ college journeys than the pandemic. The revamped application, intended to be simpler and more accessible, has been plagued by delays and technical difficulties, leaving many students unsure if they will receive enough financial aid for the upcoming academic year.

Students like Damian Salas, a senior at Uplift North Hills Preparatory in Irving, are feeling the pressure as they await news of financial aid to make decisions about their future. The uncertainty has left many families stressed and unable to plan for the next academic year.

As the U.S. Department of Education launches a national campaign to encourage students to submit their FAFSA applications, many students are still waiting for financial aid award packages that will determine their college choices. The delays and challenges with the new FAFSA system have left students and families in limbo, unsure of how they will afford higher education.