FAFSA Applications Jump on LI and Throughout NYS

Aug 13, 2025

1 min

Dr. Alan Singer, professor of education, talked with Newsday about a jump this past academic year in the number of Long Island high school students applying for federal financial aid to attend college.

The article says the increase is due to a mandate, imposed during the 2024-25 school year, that school districts ensure all 12th graders either fill out the FAFSA, apply for state aid or sign a waiver. New York State Governor Kathy Hochul included the mandate in the state budget.

Requiring students to apply or opt out “is like having the DMV register people to vote — it’s just a good idea,” said Dr. Singer. “There are students from families that are just not aware of what’s required to go to college and get financial aid. By having it done in school … it facilitates the ability of all high school graduates to go on to college with financial aid.”

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Alan J. Singer

Professor of Teaching, Learning and Technology

Alan Singer specializes in social studies education and United States history.

Social Studies EducationUnited States HistoryHistory of SlaveryTeaching race. ethnicity and class

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