West Virginia Governor Declares State of Emergency Over FAFSA Issues

West Virginia Governor Declares State of Emergency, Suspends FAFSA Requirement for State Aid

In a bold move to address issues with the federal government’s rollout of a new application for student aid, Governor Jim Justice has declared a state of emergency and suspended the requirement for college-bound high school seniors to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to receive state financial aid.

The FAFSA form, which underwent a major overhaul for the first time in over 40 years, has been plagued by glitches and delays since its new version went live in January. These issues have resulted in a 40% reduction in FAFSA completion rates among West Virginia high school students, leaving many unsure if they will be able to afford college.

To ensure that students can still access state financial aid, Governor Justice has taken action to bypass the FAFSA requirement. Under the emergency proclamation, students who apply for and qualify for the Promise Scholarship by September 1, 2024, will receive an award of up to $5,500 for the 2024-25 academic year. Additionally, students who completed a 2023-24 FAFSA and qualify for the need-based Higher Education Grant will receive up to $3,400 for the fall semester.

Sarah Tucker, the state’s chancellor of higher education, emphasized the importance of financial aid in helping students, especially low-income students, overcome the cost barriers of attending college. West Virginia invests over $100 million each year in financial aid programs to support its students.

While the Department of Education has stated that issues with the FAFSA application have been resolved, Governor Justice is urging students and parents to continue working towards completing the FAFSA to access as much aid as possible from other sources, including the federal government.

Students and parents can call a state hotline at 1-877-987-7664 or visit https://www.collegeforwv.com for more information and assistance with applying for aid. Despite the challenges with the FAFSA, Governor Justice is committed to ensuring that West Virginia students have the support they need to pursue their higher education goals.