Arizona launches the Finish Line to the FAFSA campaign to encourage seniors to apply for FAFSA

State and local governments, universities, college access organizations and Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs are spearheading a concerted effort to tackle a decline in FAFSA submissions in Arizona. To kick off these efforts, Governor Hobbs has declared April as the Finish Line to the FAFSA month and has sent a letter to all school leaders and school counselors across the state asking for their help to prioritize FAFSA completion.

Federal delays and glitches have led to a significant drop in FAFSA, with just 23 percent of Arizona seniors submitting this vital application. Partners across the state are uniting to bolster FAFSA completion rates and ensure Arizona students receive the financial aid they deserve. The campaign is working to provide support to as many students as possible before they graduate and provide additional FAFSA resources to students over the summer. 

“Over the last three years, Arizona high school graduates missed out on nearly $300 million in Pell Grant funding by not completing their FAFSA,” stated Governor Hobbs. “The Finish Line to the FAFSA campaign is calling on our community to work together to raise awareness about the FAFSA, organize events, and provide support to Arizona high schools and graduating seniors.”

FAFSA opens the door to grants, work-study and federal student loans – and there is no income cutoff to apply. It’s also a requirement for the Arizona Promise Program, the state’s guaranteed scholarship program for eligible Arizona residents that ensures all tuition and fees are covered at Arizona’s public universities.

This year’s federal FAFSA delays are likely to disproportionately affect low-income and first-generation students who rely on timely financial aid offers to make college decisions. Data show that students who complete the FAFSA are more likely to enroll in college, persist in their coursework and successfully obtain a degree. 

“Arizona has seen nearly 10,500 fewer seniors completing the FAFSA compared to last year – a dramatic reduction that could have far-reaching consequences for our students and universities,” said Arizona Board of Regents Chair Cecilia Mata. “We must come together as a community to support Arizona’s seniors complete the FAFSA.”

ABOR, Arizona’s public universities and community colleges and college access organizations have compiled FAFSA supports for students, families and school counselors. Resources include:

• In-person events
• Telemundo’s phone bank
• Virtual events and appointments
• Arizona’s FAFSA hotline
• Text message support via Ask Benji
• FAFSA pro tips
• Arizona College Connect (an innovative tool ABOR provides for high school educators to track FAFSA completion)

Students can find statewide support and resources at CollegeReadyAZ.com/FAFSA.