FranU Suspends Deadline for Fall Semester Due to FAFSA Delays

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University is urging students to submit their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) even as the program is experiencing delays.

FranU recently held a community FAFSA workshop and the University has also announced it is suspending the enrollment deadline for the fall semester. FranU Vice President for Enrollment Management Martin Aucoin said that waiving the deadline will allow students to register until the beginning of classes in August.

After a delayed release of the new FAFSA in January, the U.S. Department of Education was not able to make students' data available to colleges and universities until April - months later than expected.

Universities rely on this data to provide students with an overview of their cost of attendance and details on any federal aid, grants, student loans, or university scholarships they may be eligible for. Students who would normally have this critical information in early spring, are just beginning to receive it now.

Data from the FAFSA also allows universities to gauge their progress in addressing students' financial needs.

“We have a team of dedicated professionals ready to assist students and families in completing the FAFSA,” Aucoin said. “We're prepared to do everything we can to support students and families in making an informed college selection.

“We understand each student’s and family’s college decision process may look a little bit different, so rest assured our admission and financial teams are here to support you every step of the way.”

Louisiana has led the nation in recent years, with 70% of high school seniors submitting the FAFSA, but two developments have challenged that trend. A 30% drop in submissions from this point in 2023 can be attributed to the delayed release of the 2024-25 FAFSA.

Only 41% of Louisiana high school seniors have submitted their FAFSA, compared to 60% at this point a year ago.

Also, early in March the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education voted to remove FAFSA submission as a graduation requirement for public high school students.

Aucoin said FranU has committed to helping students navigate this difficult situation by providing the time and support they need to discern their college options.

Students can complete the FAFSA online at fafsa.gov.