FAFSA delays suppress applications; Missouri Western expands outreach

University leaders told the Missouri Western State University Board of Governors that nationwide FAFSA processing problems have delayed financial-aid data delivery and are affecting student decision timelines.

In the Personnel and Finance Committee report, Vice President Daniel said the university had received 2,605 FAFSA submissions as of Monday and that roughly 39% of those had errors flagged by the U.S. Department of Education. "This is not unique to Missouri Western—nationwide FAFSA completion is down," Daniel said, and he described the university’s work with the Foundation and an external vendor to automate Banner processes for award packaging.

Enrollment management (Dr Foot) told the board the changes to the FAFSA system require a bifurcated parent-and-student process that has delayed data receipt traditionally available in November–December, compressing decision timelines and reducing applications and admits. Dr Foot said some students are deferring enrollment—"probably about a third" of those they reached who said they were thinking about deferring—based on local outreach feedback.

Officials described a range of responses: FAFSA completion nights at area high schools, targeted decision-day events, digital advertising emphasizing affordability, and a new "Go Griffin" chatbot to engage admitted students by text. Dr Foot said the university has about 2,000 students in an active admitted file and is prioritizing admitted-but-not-yet-committed students who have a FAFSA on file.

Administrators warned the delays are a short-term national issue but said intensive outreach, student advising and timely award packaging remain essential to convert admits into enrolled students.