The number of Texas high school seniors filling out the federal financial aid application for college, known as FAFSA, is down so far from last year, a sign worrying state higher education leaders that the COVID-19 pandemic is still disrupting many students’ pathway to college.
According to the National College Attainment Network’s FAFSA tracker, just 24% of Texas seniors have filled out the vital financial aid application as of November 20, a 14.6% decline compared to the same time last year.
Preliminary enrollment data from the state shows this fall’s college enrollment was down 3%, or more than 47,000 students, primarily among community colleges.
More than 100,000 high school seniors have signed up for the text message program.
“Accelerating progress will require strengthening academic preparation, support, and advising in K-12 and higher education to improve higher education completions in Texas,” the report stated.