DCAN Update | Feb. 12, 2021
FAFSA FRIDAY
Here to support you with all things FAFSA
Dear College Access Champion,

This week, we are reporting out on all of your hard work surrounding the FAFSA.The Detroit Drives FAFSA page on our website allows you to access our FAFSA toolkit, request support, and stay up-to-date on FAFSA completion rates.

We look forward to continuing this important work with you and are here to support you and your students.
HOW ARE WE DOING?
A look into the data
Special Population Communities Completion Rates as of 2/8
College Bound Fellows Cohort II
  • MISSG: 23.94%
  • Federal: 21.21%

College Bound Fellows Cohort 1
  • MISSG: 36.54%
  • Federal: 25.89%
FAFSA Strategy Group
  • MISSG: 19.49%
  • Federal: 17.89%

Get Schooled Partner schools
  • MISSG: 35.17%
  • Federal: 31.53%
MISSG vs. Federal Data

It's no secret that tracking students' FAFSA completion has been extra challenging this school year. Because of limitations in both state (MISSG) and federal data systems, numbers are not completely representative of the senior population. 

MISSG, the state site, must have manually uploaded senior rosters in order to keep track of students' FAFSA completion. Although Detroit counselors have been working hard to get their rosters updated, MISSG numbers are still off.

The federal site tracks FAFSA completion for students under 19 and that may include students from previous graduating classes enrolling for the first time if they are under 19. It will also capture students that may no longer be enrolled at your school that completed the app using the school code before leaving.

DCAN tracks citywide data from both the state and federal sites and uses MISSG roster counts to calculate a more accurate completion percentage for Detroit. 
1-ON-1 HELP
FAFSA Supports for you and your students
1-on-1 FAFSA Support

DCAN offers FAFSA support for programs and for families. Students and parents can request 1-on-1 support to complete the application process with a DCAN team member.
FAFSA Campaign Support

Counselors can use this form link to request support with carrying out your FAFSA event, campaign or initiatives.
FAFSA TOOLKIT
DCAN's FAFSA toolkit provides resources for counselors and professionals supporting students and families in the application process.

Inside you'll find resource guides, infographics, checklists, and other helpful info.
FAFSA DEADLINES
Michigan's priority deadline for FAFSA completion is March 1st, but some colleges and universities have their own FAFSA deadlines. In order to get the most out of financial aid, students should complete the FAFSA as early as possible.

DCAN has compiled a list of FAFSA deadlines and financial aid websites for students to explore.
FAFSA CHANGES
Big Things Are Coming!
Major Takeaways

  • Changes take effect in the 2023-24 academic year (for FAFSA released on October 1, 2022)
  • FAFSA questions reduced from 108 to 36
  • Eliminates several FAFSA questions that less than 1% of fliers answer with a non-zero response
  • Elimination of drug-related questions
  • Second Chance Pell allows for incarcerated students to receive financial aid
  • Maximum Pell award designation to be calculated based on family size and adjusted gross income as compared to the federal poverty level
CONNECT: Detroit College Access Network