As announced by the Utah Board of Higher Education, additional financial support is now available to help Utah State University students who are unable to submit the 2024-2025 FAFSA.
“The delay of the new 2024-2025 FAFSA is unprecedented and has caused difficulties for students and families,” said Craig Whyte, assistant vice president & executive director for Student Financial Support. “Across the nation, FAFSA submission rates continue to be down.”
The high school class of 2024 is seeing a 11% decrease nationally and an approximate 10% decrease in Utah. According to Whyte, USU is seeing an 8% decrease of FAFSA submissions for its newly admitted class and a 1% decrease of first-year enrolled Utah residents.
The additional funding from the state means more students will be considered for grants that will support their educational goals. USU anticipates receiving approximately $1 million, and the priority of awarding will go to Utah undergraduate students who would be eligible for the Federal Pell grant but who have had challenges completing their 2024-2025 FAFSA.
To be considered for the funding, Utah residents who intend to enroll at USU as undergraduate students should attempt to submit the 24-25 FAFSA. Students who are not able to complete their FAFSA should complete the USU FAFSA Initiative Grant Form and upload the results to Student Financial Support. A new website has been created, outlining the necessary steps and requirements.
“USU remains focused on helping students achieve their educational goals,” said Katie Jo North, vice president of strategic enrollment management. “We are here to assist and to help students during this challenging time. Our focus on access and affordability remains central to our mission, and we’re grateful for the state’s continued financial support as we help more Utahns attend college.”
All students are welcome to contact Student Financial Support for questions related to federal, state and institutional aid programs.
