HEA: Student Aid Simplification

HEA Title IV, Part G

Quick Take:

"Student aid simplification" is the current buzzword for a number of policy initiatives that continue to emerge. Simplification initiatives in the new law primarily focus on changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to ensure it is not a barrier to college access. The new law includes a requirement for the Secretary to evaluate the current financial aid award letters used by colleges with an eye toward creating a single, national disclosure form. Not included in the law, however, are any of the earlier proposals to eliminate several core student aid programs (including Perkins Loans, SEOG, and LEAP) in the name of "simplification."

When Will This Take Effect?

Undetermined. The Secretary's recommendations for a model national financial aid disclosure form are to be provided to Congress by August 2009.

Who on Campus May Need to Be Involved?

Financial aid; business/finance office

Additional Resources

Statuatory Language

HEA101 Web Keyword for More Information: StuAidSimplification