Louisiana claims top ranking for the highest number of high school seniors who’ve completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, also known as FAFSA. Chief Operating Officer for the Louisiana Department of Education Ken Bradford credits educators and counselors for the ranking.
“They have worked diligently to help our students over the course of this past year to not only address learning loss, but also help students to plan for college and career,” said Bradford.
The National College Access Network (NCAN) tracks applications in the US and Louisiana has consistently been in the top two for the last five years. Bradford said FAFSA completion is also required for high school seniors in Louisiana to receive TOPS consideration.
“That’s the applications that our students fill out here in this state to get TOPS eligible, but also to become eligible for Pell grants, college work studies, etc.,” said Bradford.
To date 67% of Louisiana’s Class of 2022 has completed their FAFSA application and Bradford is already encouraging the Class of 2023 to keep Louisiana in first place.
“October 1st is the when the FAFSA application becomes available for this year’s high school seniors. And it’s never, never to early to start planning,” said Bradford.
According to NCAN, 84% of high school seniors who complete a FAFSA are more likely to enroll in post-secondary education.
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