Worcester State is extending its deposit deadline for all accepted students from May 1 to June 1, 2024, in response to delays in the application process for Federal Financial Aid. The U.S. Department of Education [1] recently announced that universities will not receive student Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) information until March, a delay that could affect students’ enrollment decisions.
“We understand that paying for college is a major financial commitment for our students and their families,” said Dean of Enrollment & Director of Admissions Joseph DiCarlo. “They deserve adequate time to receive and consider financial aid offers before committing on which college to attend this fall. To ensure our students make a financially informed decision to attend Worcester State, we felt it was necessary to extend our deadline to June 1. For those who are ready to commit, we hope their decision to enroll at Worcester State is an easy one.”
The delays have come following the rollout of a new, streamlined form that has modified criteria for determining student eligibility for aid and expands access to Federal Pell Grants as part of the FAFSA Simplification Act [2]. The rollout has encountered a number of issues, leaving families and higher education institutions with many uncertainties, including uncertainty about the amount of awards students will receive and about timelines. Worcester State joins colleges across the Commonwealth and around the country that have extended deposit deadlines.
The university’s financial aid team continues to monitor information coming from the U.S. Department of Education. Updates will be provided as needed on the university’s website [3]. Anyone with questions is encouraged to reach out to the Admissions Office at admissions@worcester.edu [4] or 508-929-8040.