Following the implementation of a new law requiring high school seniors to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, Oklahoma has seen a noteworthy uptick in applications. Data from the National College Attainment Network indicates a 49.4% year-over-year increase in Free Application for Federal Student Aid completion rates for the state, ranking Oklahoma 29th nationally, up from one of the lowest in previous rankings. This surge has been attributed to Senate Bill 93—championed by Sen. Dave Rader, R-Tulsa, and Rep. Anthony Moore, R-Clinton—which took effect with the class of 2025, according to the Oklahoma Senate.
"These numbers speak for themselves and to prove that Oklahoma’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid graduation requirement is already delivering results," Sen. Rader proclaimed in a statement obtained by Oklahoma Senate. The law's intent is to expand higher education access, thus contributing to a skilled workforce and a more robust economy for the state. School counselors can, however, still opt out of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid submission requirement should they feel it is not in the student's best interest.
Chancellor Sean Burrage, during an interview with Oklahoma Senate, reiterated the significance of Free Application for Federal Student Aid completion in opening doors to a myriad of state and federal financial support options for students. He emphasized the first-come, first-served nature of some aid programs, urging students to complete the FAFSA as early as possible.
Oklahoma now reports that 54.9% of high school seniors have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, in contrast to a 59.8% national average. Representative Moore emphasized the link between higher education and better life outcomes, saying, "College degrees or CareerTech certifications are proven to result in higher wages and better jobs, and to significantly increase success in lasting employment," as per the Oklahoma Senate. He went on to highlight how the legislation aims to not just raise awareness but to tangibly open paths to higher education for Oklahoma's youth. The State Regents are still in the process of assessing how the to substantially increase in Free Application for Federal Student Aid submissions may impact the federal financial aid awarded to students in Oklahoma.
