Financial aid fears shake US teens as uncertainty grows over FAFSA and student loans

As the Trump administration continues its efforts to reshape American education, rising high school seniors are facing growing uncertainty about the future of financial aid . With fears surrounding the Free Application for Federal Student Aid ( FAFSA ) and student loans , many students are questioning if they will be able to afford college. The confusion is especially concerning for low-income and first-generation students, who rely heavily on federal support to access higher education.

In recent weeks, colleges and universities have found themselves at the heart of debates about the future of the American academy. As the administration pushes to dismantle the Education Department and reshape policies, students are becoming increasingly anxious. "Students are wondering if the FAFSA is still available," said Marcos Montes, policy director of the Southern California College Attainment Network, as reported by the Vox. "There is a lot of confusion."

Uncertainty about federal student aid
One of the key concerns for students is the status of federal student aid programs. Despite the Trump administration's announcement to reduce the Education Department's workforce by over 1,300 employees, FAFSA and Pell grants—critical sources of financial aid—are still available for now. However, for many students, this does little to ease their worries. "Some students fear that if they use the FAFSA to apply for federal aid, information about their families’ immigration status could be shared with ICE," said Karla Robles-Reyes, chief program officer at OneGoal, as quoted by the Vox.

This fear is contributing to a drop in FAFSA applications. In California, the number of seniors completing the FAFSA was down by 25 percent as of February, compared with the previous year. Students with undocumented family members have seen an even larger decline, with applications from this group down 44 percent. The concern is that completing the FAFSA, which requires detailed family information, could put their loved ones at risk of deportation.

Financial aid disruption could affect the economy
The uncertainty around financial aid isn’t just a personal issue for students—it could have broader economic consequences. "College is the number one workforce training out there," said Montes, emphasizing that disruptions in federal student aid could affect the nation’s skilled workforce. If more students decide not to attend college due to financial aid concerns, the country’s economy could face significant long-term challenges, according to Montes.

A generation at risk
For many teens, the fear of losing financial aid is compounded by other political changes affecting higher education. In addition to concerns over federal funding, some students are worried about their ability to express their views on campus, as the administration continues its push to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.

"Going to college is the gateway for the world," said Nomar, a first-year student, as quoted by the Vox. He added that for many students, including himself, college is the only chance to escape economic hardship and build a better future.

As the situation continues to evolve, the future of financial aid remains uncertain, leaving many students unsure of what their next steps should be.