Iowa College Aid analyzes potential impact of FAFSA Simplification Act

https://www.businessrecord.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/BR_web_311x311.jpeg

Iowa College Aid has conducted research on the potential impact of the FAFSA Simplification Act and found that it may negatively affect the student financial aid eligibility of some Iowans. The act, which aims to streamline the Free Application for Federal Student Aid process and increase the number of people eligible for Pell grants, may harm farm owners, small business owners and families with multiple college-going students. The Student Aid Index (SAI), which replaced the Expected Family Contribution in the FAFSA financial needs analysis calculation, considers family farms and small businesses as assets, making some Iowans appear wealthier than they are, Iowa College Aid said. As a result, Iowa College Aid estimates that some families may have to contribute up to $91,816 annually. Additionally, the SAI formula does not consider the number of family members in college, which may increase the financial burden for families with more than one member in college and affect their eligibility for some financial aid programs.