BOSTON – Massachusetts ranks among the top five states nationally in FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) completion rates for the 2025-2026 academic year, according to a recent report by the National College Attainment Network (NCAN). This indicates strong participation in the federal financial aid process across the state.
FAFSA Completion in Massachusetts
Currently, 43.2% of Massachusetts high school students in the class of 2026 have submitted the FAFSA for the 2026-27 academic year. Despite this comparatively strong showing, a significant portion of students have yet to complete the application. According to Tom Graf, executive director of MEFA, completing the FAFSA is crucial, as it “opens up opportunities for students to access available federal, state, and institutional financial aid,” and students who don’t file are “significantly less likely to enroll in postsecondary education, even when academically eligible.”
Completion rates are not uniform throughout the Commonwealth. To address this, the Healey-Driscoll Administration has launched a FAFSA Completion Dashboard, providing up-to-date information on completion rates by school, district, and student group. This dashboard is intended to help MEFA target support to areas where it is most needed.
Officials emphasize the importance of FAFSA completion. Commissioner of Higher Education Noe Ortega stated, “Too many students leave money and opportunity on the table by not applying for financial aid,” and that the dashboard will “advance the college access efforts of our state.” Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez added that completing the FAFSA is “an important first step toward college enrollment.”
Resources Available to Students and Families
MEFA is offering several free resources to help students and families complete the FAFSA, including a virtual FAFSA Festival where families can connect with financial aid experts. One-on-one appointments are also available, and additional resources can be found on MEFA’s website (mefa.org) and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts website (mass.gov/FinancialAid).
Educators, counselors, and families are encouraged to utilize these resources to increase FAFSA completion rates and maximize access to financial aid for Massachusetts students.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the FAFSA?
The FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is a form students complete to determine their eligibility for federal, state, and institutional financial aid.
What happens if a student doesn’t complete the FAFSA?
Students who do not complete the FAFSA forfeit their access to financial aid and are significantly less likely to enroll in postsecondary education, even if they are academically eligible.
Where can students and families find help completing the FAFSA?
MEFA offers a FAFSA Festival, one-on-one appointments, and online resources. Additional assistance is available through the Commonwealth of Massachusetts website.
How might increased access to these resources impact college enrollment in the coming years?