skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Sunday, February 16, 2025

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Trump administration begins sweeping layoffs with probationary workers, warns of larger cuts to come; NYC music school teachers strike after union negotiations break down; Ohio advocates push for inclusive policies during Black History Month; Health experts recommend sunshine, socializing to cure 'winter blues.'

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Federal workers tasked with securing elections from foreign interference are placed on leave, parents' organizations reject dismantling Dept. of Education, and the Congressional Black Caucus presses discussions on slavery reparations.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Rural America struggles with opioids and homelessness in unexpected ways, Colorado's Lariat Ditch could help spur local recreation, and book deliveries revive rural communities hit by Hurricane Helene.

MA families in limbo as college financial-aid awards delayed

play audio
Play

Thursday, February 1, 2024   

Families in Massachusetts will have to wait even longer for financial aid offers from colleges and universities this year because of an error in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

The Department of Education said it will not send students' financial data to schools until March, a month later than expected.

Julie Shields-Rutyna, director of college planning for the Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority, said it is frustrating for students waiting to hear how much they will receive before making their college choice.

"We tell them it's really not you but they're stressed about this process and they can't help think, 'I did something wrong and maybe now I'm not going to be able to go to college,'" Shields-Rutyna observed.

Shields-Rutyna pointed out an overhaul of the application was needed to simplify the process, and once corrected, it should expand the amount of financial aid available.

FAFSA helps nearly 18 million students each year cover the cost of higher education through federal student loans, work-study programs and Pell Grants for low-income students. This year's rollout was already delayed three months before technical glitches began.

Shields-Rutyna suggested patience and perseverance are key, and the needed corrections are being made. In the meantime, she suggested families should keep in contact with their potential schools.

"If you need to send a screenshot of the date and the error message you received when you were trying to submit the FAFSA, copy that, send that, and just keep that so you have all that information for the colleges so they know you're trying," Shields-Rutyna recommended.

Shields-Rutyna advised families to try to complete the application and to keep trying once a week until the problem is corrected. She added the process can be stressful but free help is available.

FAFSA Day Massachusetts events are taking place through the spring, connecting families and students with experts who can guide them through what is turning out to be an unusually challenging process.

Support for this reporting was provided by Lumina Foundation.


get more stories like this via email
more stories
In 2023, the Biden administration ordered a Bakersfield oil company to remove old oil rigs from Carrizo Plain National Monument in Central California. (Bob Wick/BLM)

Environment

play sound

Groups that fight to protect public lands are criticizing the Trump administration's new review of all oil, gas and mining on public lands. National …


Environment

play sound

This weekend, Virginians will participate with other birders around the world in the Great Backyard Bird Count. Thousands of birding enthusiasts …

Environment

play sound

This weekend, birders across the world, including in Maryland, will participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count. Thousands of birding enthusiasts …


A new study looking at drought impacts on grasslands found that such lands in China saw a 43% reduction in annual productivity, compared with just a 25% reduction in North America under the same conditions. (Adobe Stock)

Environment

play sound

Grasslands are considered a vital component of South Dakota's landscape. But on the heels of new research, an expert suggests they might not fare as …

Social Issues

play sound

Minnesota is little less than a year away from launching its paid-leave law, but state lawmakers are debating whether to delay the start until 2027…

In its next contract, the Manhattan School of Music Precollege Program faculty union is looking for "reasonable" class sizes and for teachers to easily access remote learning tools when needed. (Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

play sound

A New York City music school's faculty is back in the classroom after a weeklong strike. The Manhattan School of Music's Precollege Program faculty …

Health and Wellness

play sound

An Atlanta-based group is making sure more people have access to an unconventional but effective treatment for their moderate mental health challenges…

Social Issues

play sound

The Texas Department of Agriculture is accepting sponsor applications for its 2025 Summer Meal Programs. The Summer Food Service Program and the …

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021