Business
Still a Secret? The FAFSA® Is Available This Month, but Majority of Families Unaware, and Nearly a Third Skip It Altogether
Through Exclusive Partnership, Sallie Mae® and Embark Offer a Free Tool That Simplifies the Process and Helps More Families Complete the FAFSA® NEWARK,
About this update from Slm Corporation
[{"type":"text","content":"\nThrough Exclusive Partnership, Sallie Mae® and Embark Offer a Free Tool That Simplifies the Process and Helps More Families Complete the FAFSA®\n\n NEWARK, Del.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--\nOctober marks the kick-off for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®), the gateway to more than $150 billion in grants, college scholarships, and federal financial aid, but the majority of college-going families are waiting until January or later to file – potentially missing out on thousands of dollars in first come, first-served aid. In fact, 61% of families aren’t aware that the FAFSA® is available beginning Oct. 1, and nearly a third of families skip it altogether. The reason – most families don’t think they’ll qualify for aid or feel the form is just too complicated.\nThis press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201009005036/en/\nTo raise awareness about the importance of completing the FAFSA® and to simplify the process, Sallie Mae has partnered with Embark to provide a free online tool to help families file the FAFSA®. Embark is one of the leading providers of online application and admissions software to schools and universities. The tool reduces the average time it takes to complete the FAFSA® from 55 minutes to less than 20 minutes, thanks to a streamlined process with helpful tips, simple navigation, and clear language. Students can stop and start their secure application at their convenience, save their progress, and also have the ability to send email notifications when it’s time for a parent to complete their information.\n\n“The FAFSA® can be intimidating to complete, especially due to its length and complexity,” said Devyn Gardner, vice president, partnerships, Embark. “Our service is a simple, streamlined, and secure way to complete the FAFSA®. We’re thrilled that Sallie Mae is our exclusive partner in helping more students and families complete this all-important form with confidence. Ultimately, we want these individuals to succeed in securing more aid to pay for college.”\n\n“Higher education is a proven pathway to economic mobility, and there’s no reason students should pay more for it than they have to,” said Jen O’Donald, senior vice president, Sallie Mae. “That’s why it’s so critical to complete the FAFSA®. Just about everyone who files qualifies f...