The rollout of the federal financial aid form known as the FAFSA continues to be a rocky one. 

The U.S. Department of Education released a revised version of the form last December. All kinds of challenges and delays accompanied it, including how long it took for colleges to get students’ and families’ financial information. 

In June, Signal Cleveland heard from local college officials about the delays they are seeing regarding the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. 

Completion rates are down here in Ohio as well as across the country. National data shows only 46% of 2024 high school graduates have completed the FAFSA through the end of June, a nearly 12% drop from last year. About 61,270 FAFSAs have been submitted here in Ohio. That’s 10.4% fewer than the same time in 2023. 

This could all be a big red flag ahead of the upcoming fall semester. 

“When all is said and done, it could mean thousands of Ohio students who would usually attend college decide not to attend this fall,” Scott Schulz, Baldwin Wallace University’s vice president for Enrollment Management, told Signal Cleveland.

Now, we want to hear from new and/or returning college students. We’re curious about what your experience looks like when it comes to completing the FAFSA as well as any additional hurdles regarding financial aid you’re experiencing ahead of the fall semester. 

This story was updated July 8 to add newly released FAFSA completion rates.

Share your experience – or that of your child – in the form below. Higher Education Reporter Amy Morona may reach out to you to connect for a story.