Research shows that education can be a key pathway to the middle class, as college graduates earn $1 million more in their lifetime compared to high school graduates, have better health, and have higher life satisfaction. By providing the most accessible information on higher education, FAFSA and the College Scorecard will help students make more informed decisions about their futures.
To access the $180 billion in Federal student aid available, students must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at FAFSA.gov. Beginning October 1st, students will be able to access the FAFSA for the 2017-2018 school year. Given Medicaid/CHIP eligibility requirements, it is expected that most beneficiaries and their families would qualify for student financial aid.
To find the program designed for you, the new College Scorecard provides the first comprehensive data on college costs, graduation rates, earnings, and student debt at colleges and universities across the United States. This video shows how the College Scorecard can help you find a good-value school.
To access step-by-step support and additional information, the First Lady’s Up Next texting tool provides advising for FAFSA completion, the college search, and student debt repayment. Text COLLEGE to 44044 to get started. Click here for videos on FAFSA completion and on the Scorecard.
For additional information and support, the Financial Aid Toolkit has ready-made materials for counselors, students, and families to answer the most common questions.
Completing the FAFSA may mean the difference between going to, and completing, college or not. Thank you for your partnership and for sharing information about opportunities available to support education and skills-building with Medicaid/CHIP beneficiaries.