Bumpy Financial Aid Rollout Worrying Students, Colleges

KQED's Forum

With the soaring cost of college tuition, which at some private universities can hit over $80,000 a year, it’s not surprising that over 85% of American families apply for financial aid. A critical step in that process is completing the FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. But this year, the Education Department’s rollout of a new form has been bedeviled by delays and technical problems that are affecting the admissions process for colleges, students and their families. Some universities are rolling back enrollment deadlines while others are waiting in hope that the issues will resolve. We’ll talk with financial aid experts and hear from you: Are you applying for financial aid? How has that process been for you?

Guests:

Eric Hoover, senior writer, Chronicle of Higher Education

Anna Takahashi, director of college counseling, Eastside College Preparatory School, East Palo Alto

Sonia Jethani, associate vice president, financial aid, Cal State East Bay

Jake Brymner, deputy director of policy & public affairs, California Student Aid Commission