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FAFSA Completion Strategies

FAFSA Completion Strategies

Data indicates that a senior who completes the FAFSA is 84% more likely to enroll in postsecondary education, and 90% of high school seniors who complete the FAFSA immediately enroll in postsecondary education programs. The State of Michigan is providing financial incentives to support schools as they prioritize FAFSA completion. Now, more than ever, it is critical that schools and districts create FAFSA completion goals and monitor them regularly, build shared ownership, establish partnerships, and spread awareness. The Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) has put together the following strategies and activities known to drive FAFSA completion rates.

The FAFSA completion strategies and activities are grouped by the categories listed below. Click the drop-down menus to view the list of recommended FAFSA completion strategies and corresponding resources.

  • Action Plan/Data Review

  • One-on-one Meetings

    • Provide after-hours and weekend support (compensate staff for extra hours if necessary).
    • Use data to schedule 1:1 meetings (virtual or in-person) with families and students who have not yet submitted their FAFSA.
    • Track interactions using an action plan or data-tracking system.

    Parent Communication and Engagement

    • Provide families with a checklist/timeline of postsecondary planning expectations beginning in 11th grade.
      • Provide opportunities for family information sessions beginning in 11th grade (provide gas cards for travel, refreshments, and snacks as needed).
    • Provide individualized communication to families and students.
      • Provide support in target home languages. (Email Kelly Mistry for interpretation support through LanguageLine.)
    • Offer after-hours and virtual FAFSA completion support for families and students.
    • Include communications, materials, and support at all school events (arts, athletics, curriculum nights)
    • Incorporate the Michigan Achievement Scholarship and other state and local aid information into FAFSA discussions.
    • Provide academic incentives for engagement in FAFSA completion events

  • Dedicated Support

    • Partner with nonprofits to expand postsecondary structures and systems in the school or across the district (i.e. Jobs for Michigan Graduates, Youth Solutions, OneGoal, Equal Opportunity Schools).
    • Hire school alumni or apply for a college adviser through AdviseMI.
    • Support FAFSA champions: school staff designated to lead FAFSA completion efforts.
    • Hire a dedicated FAFSA/postsecondary transition support person or FAFSA champion.
    • Provide stipends to support additional hours for after-school/weekend events or meetings.
    • Provide opportunities for athletic coaches, teachers, and additional staff to support/follow up with students and families for consistent messaging by trusted adults across the community.

  • Shared Ownership

    • Participate in College Bound Michigan and engage in the College Cash Campaign — providing dedicated time during the school day to push into classes or pull-out students for FSA ID creation and FAFSA filing support.
    • Ensure that all professionals have adequate training on supporting FAFSA completion.
    • Adopt a senior exit/graduation checklist inclusive of FAFSA completion and send updated status reports to students and families.
    • Create a universal FAFSA policy. A universal FAFSA policy would make it a requirement that all graduating seniors need to complete the FAFSA. Having a FAFSA on file puts the choice in students’ hands on their next steps instead of the FAFSA being a barrier to enrolling in postsecondary education.
    • Provide paid professional development opportunities for staff supporting college-going culture.
    • Embed a college and career exploration course. 

    Student Enrichment

    • Provide guest speakers/seminars for students.
    • Provide students opportunities to visit college campuses (transportation, food, lodging if applicable).
    • Include other grade levels in Decision-Day events.
    • Provide students opportunities for career exploration (field trips).
    • Provide funds for in-house summer programming (college boot camp, leadership, orientations).
    • Provide funds to support student leadership and growth opportunities.
    • Host or travel to college fairs.
    • Provide funds for ACT/SAT preparation and exams, dual enrollment programs, and AP Classes/Exams. 
       

  • Support from Postsecondary Education Partners

    • Connect with regional higher education representatives to support local high school counselors, individual students, and families.
    • Invite college representatives to the high school for transition planning, inclusive of FAFSA filing support.
    • Incorporate FAFSA completion support in summer melt and transition support programming.

    Community Ambassadors, Local College Access Networks, and Community Organizations

    • Leverage community partners to support FAFSA completion efforts.
    • Provide community organizations with materials to post throughout the community.