Centre taking the lead in helping families amid national FAFSA delay

In early February, Centre College became one of the first liberal arts and sciences colleges to announce a new financial aid estimate form to help students and families alleviate the stress and anxiety of the financial aid application process. 

Within weeks, nearly 200 admitted students filled out the form — underscoring the need for direction amid recently announced delays by the federal government in implementing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Centre is committed to providing applicants with an understanding of financial aid eligibility, for peace of mind and to help ease any concerns related to the federal application.

“The need for clarity is imperative when discussing financial aid, for admitted students and their families,” said Vice President for Enrollment Management Chad Spencer. “We want students to understand what they can expect to receive, both in merit- and need-based aid, as we prepare for them to join the Centre family.”

The U.S. Department of Education estimated that colleges and universities will receive FAFSA information for applicants in mid-March, delaying the timeline for colleges to provide admitted students with official financial aid offers. Centre is providing admitted students with a short financial aid survey to help accelerate the process and provide an estimated aid offer — estimates that will give students and families more confidence in the college decision-making process.

After completing the financial aid survey, admitted students can expect to receive a financial aid estimate within 10-14 days. This estimate will represent the College’s best approximation of the financial aid students will receive to help with the cost of attending Centre College.

“We understand the problems delayed financial aid information can cause for prospective students,” Spencer said. “We want to arm families with the best information now so future Centre students can focus on preparing to excel both in and out of the classroom.”

Centre is committed to making college affordable, and our financial aid staff is available to answer any questions or concerns related to the FAFSA application or general financial aid information at 859.238.5365.