Milwaukee Public Schools requiring seniors to file FAFSA before graduation

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- There's a new requirement for students at Milwaukee Public Schools. For the first time, the senior class must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before they graduate. 

It's an effort by MPS to boost the number of college-bound seniors, showing them higher education can be affordable even if you're from a low-income household.

"At least 80% of students that fill out the FAFSA receive some type of financial aid when it comes down to attending school. So to not apply is to literally leave money on the table," said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley.

And leaving money on the table's exactly what a new study shows the class of 2021 did. 

Unclaimed Pell Grants across the nation total $3.75 billion, and 50% of all high school seniors didn't even attempt to fill out a FAFSA.

"And so right now we're really trying to do all we can to raise awareness that there is this free money out there, that you can go to college, that you can pursue your dreams," said Dr. Phyllis King, UW-Milwaukee associate vice chancellor.

Dr. King says the time is now to get prepared, and financial aid offices like the one at UWM can help. 

The FAFSA application for the 2023-24 year opened Oct. 1.

The maximum Pell Grant right now is $6,300 based on anticipated family income. 

"A lot of high schools are happy to help families and a lot offer nights where students can come in with their folks and walk through it step by step, making it a really painless process," said Julie Thomas, Burlington Area School District communications director.

Burlington High School's got FAFSA experts ready to answer questions at parent-teacher conferences Oct. 26.

"You complete what you can and you come back to it when you need to," said Thomas.

Knowing Pell Grants had billions of dollars left over is a bummer for students who applied and didn't get one.

"It doesn't make me feel good, because I could use some extra money for school, but it is what it is. I can't change FAFSA's mind about how much money they're gonna give me," said Precious Osagie, UWM senior.

There are a number of general public events where you can get your questions answered. 

You can find a link to those dates here.