In a bid to tackle the sharp drop in federal student aid applications in Arizona, local authorities are throwing a curveball: free baseball tickets. The state, grappling with technical hitches that hit the revamped financial aid application process, has seen a 43% dip in completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms. The Arizona Board of Regents, in partnership with the Arizona Cactus League, is now offering a bonus for high school seniors who step up to the plate and complete their FAFSA form – a chance to score four free spring training tickets.
Last year, changes designed to simplify the FAFSA form, slashing questions from a triple-digit figure down to around 20, and broadening eligibility, ran into technical glitches. These snags led to application delays, leaving many students in the lurch. "For those who are able to go in, it really only takes 10-15 minutes to complete it," Megan Gilbertson of the Arizona Board of Regents highlighted, as reported by ABC15.
Arizona stands second to last in the nation for FAFSA completion, just ahead of Florida and Alaska. The Board of Regents has flagged over $100 million left unclaimed last year in Arizona alone, due to incomplete FAFSA forms. To turn this grim statistic around, they're partnering with the Cactus League to entice students with free tickets to spring training games. Gilbertson noted, "The Arizona Cactus League is such an amazing partnership here, they’re committed to students having access to higher education. FAFSA is that first step."
Not only does the state offer a financial carrot, but it also extends a helping hand to those navigating the financial aid maze. With a suite of support services, such as hotlines, webinars, and one-on-one appointments made available - the Arizona Board of Regents and Arizona's public universities are committed to aiding families through this intricate process. Additionally, ABOR has pushed its FAFSA priority deadline to May 1 to give students adequate time to file, according to information obtained by BNN Breaking.
