The problem is rather or not simplification of the FAFSA application would increase access to college. Simplification comes from a few possible ideas. First, simplifying the application itself. Second, simplifying the process, such as providing assistance in filling out the form. Third, simplifying the understanding of who would qualify for financial aid, such as providing only information about eligibility. Fourth, simplifying awareness about the importance of the FAFSA application as it relates to access to financial …show more content…
Lack of information on college costs
This is a big factor. I have seen where the media play somewhat of a negative role in the information that is made available to students. The cost of college that is reported usually includes some indirect cost, such as cost of living. This leads to the estimation to be high. So a high school graduated may look at a report in which education cost $30,000 dollars and may not realize some ways of meeting those cost may simply leaving with parents.
2. Awareness on available financial aid
As stated by Bettinger et al., 2009, “a program’s mere existence does not ensure take-up by everyone who is eligible and interested” …show more content…
Bettinger et al. takes steps in grouping individuals by socioeconomic status; one is based incomes less than $45,000 and the other high school students who are dependent financially only their parents.
As stated by Suter (2012), “The preexisting factor differentiates groups and permits a meaningful comparison” (p.319).
I think the Bettinger et al. found it important to take these steps in order for them to “test the importance of simplifying the process of getting financial aid and providing clear information about eligibility” (Bettinger et al.,2009, p.2).
As stated by Sutter (2012), “The basic causal comparative design is sometimes referred to as an ex post facto design. As implied by its name (ex post facto means “retroactive,” ”prior to,” or “going back to”, this design involves a comparison between groups whose differences existed prior to the researcher’s observations” (pp. 320-321).
AS stated by Bettinger et al., (2009), “In summary, the results suggest that simplification and assistance together are effective ways to increase the submission of financial aid applications”