Springfield Standard

Senator Eric Schmitt has written a letter to the Department of Education Secretary, Miguel Cardona, expressing concern over the Department's delays in approving student loan applications and its failure to effectively implement the FAFSA Simplification Act.

"Despite plenty of time and adequate funding, the Department of Education failed to properly implement the new FAFSA. Though the FAFSA Simplification Act passed in 2020, the form was not available for prospective students until December 2023, delaying the financial aid process," Schmitt wrote in his letter. He also noted that colleges and universities did not begin receiving student data from completed applications until March 2024, causing further delays.

The Senator pointed out that students are now expected to receive their financial aid letters in April or May, which is beyond many universities' decision timelines. "Most final decisions are required before mid-May," he added.

Schmitt also criticized the Department's focus on "unnecessary and legally dubious loan bailout initiatives," while neglecting its obligations towards existing student aid programs. He expressed concern over reports that the Department has prioritized applications from families with illegal aliens by creating 'workarounds' and loopholes.

"The Department needs to refocus its efforts and prioritize the FAFSA process to ensure students’ education is not jeopardized," Schmitt urged.

In his letter, Senator Schmitt asked Secretary Cardona for a comprehensive timeline of FAFSA paper applications’ processing times. He also requested information on steps taken by the Department to resolve complications with implementing the FAFSA Simplification Act and how it keeps students informed about completing the new FAFSA.

These issues have been brought to Senator Schmitt’s attention by constituents who have been reaching out for weeks. Missouri State University had to push back their financial aid deadline due to problems with FASFA.