A new analysis from the National College Attainment Network (NCAN) reveals just how much financial aid was left behind by the students impacted by the botched rollout of the “Better FAFSA” in 2023-24.
NCAN’s estimates are based on FAFSA completion rates as of August 30, 2024 and average Pell grant awards as of June 30, 2025.
Key Findings
- 45% of the high school class of 2024 did not complete a FAFSA form. Importantly, roughly 830,000 Pell-eligible students did not complete the FAFSA.
- As a result, the Class of 2024 did not take advantage of $4.4 billion in Pell grants, representing a $400 million increase in unused Pell awards compared to the Class of 2023.
- California, Texas, and Florida had the most unused Pell grant dollars, with a cumulative loss of nearly $1.5 billion. Wyoming, North Dakota, and Washington, D.C. left the least amount on the table. The national average amount of unused Pell dollars was approximately $20 million.
What’s Next
NCAN is calling on state leaders to take action to ensure all students receive the support they need to file the FAFSA and confidently enroll in postsecondary programs. States can support statewide FAFSA completion challenges, make FAFSA completion a high school graduation requirement, and appropriate funds to the organizations making the most impact.
Federal policymakers are in an especially critical position. Preserving the Education Department’s Federal Student Aid (FSA) Office—particularly the FSA Information Center (FSAIC) and its funding and staff—would also safeguard institutional knowledge and the Department’s ability to provide timely assistance to students and families.
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