GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Fafsa Completion Time Statistics

The average completion time for filling out the FAFSA form is approximately 45 minutes.

Last Updated: June 20, 2024

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In this post, we explore a range of statistics related to FAFSA completion, shedding light on the varying completion rates among high school seniors, the time taken to fill out the form, the submission methods preferred by students, and the financial aid awarded by the federal government. These statistics highlight important trends and disparities in FAFSA completion rates and provide insight into the complexities of navigating the financial aid application process.

Statistic 1

"As reported in 2015, roughly 40% of high school seniors failed to complete the Fafsa."

Statistic 2

"On average, the task of filling out a FAFSA form takes around 55 minutes."

Statistic 3

"In 2019, approximately 92% of students submitted their FAFSA online."

Statistic 4

"Overall, only about 60.6% of high school seniors in 2018 completed a FAFSA form."

Statistic 5

"According to 2015 data, only about 50% of African American and Hispanic students complete the FAFSA."

Statistic 6

"During the 2018 US academic year, over 19 million people submitted a FAFSA form."

Statistic 7

"45.7% of FAFSA completers had an expected family contribution of zero in 2014."

Statistic 8

"By February 2020, only 57% of high school seniors had completed their FAFSA."

Statistic 9

"The percentage of FAFSA applicants obtaining professional help rose to 30.5% in 2010."

Statistic 10

"The average federal Pell Grant aid reported with the FAFSA was about $2,970 in 2019."

Statistic 11

"From 2017 to 2018, data suggests that over 661,000 high school graduates did not fill out the FAFSA."

Statistic 12

"Fafsa completion rates for indigenous students were at an alarmingly low rate of 37% in 2017."

Statistic 13

"In 2020, less than 63% of high school seniors completed a FAFSA in the top 100 largest districts in the U.S."

Statistic 14

"The federal government awarded $120.0 billion in financial aid through the FAFSA during the 2019-2020 year."

Statistic 15

"Approximately 99% of students who submitted a FAFSA for the 2018-19 year were considered dependent on their parents."

Statistic 16

"In 2018 research found that almost 90% of high-income students who could complete the FAFSA did so, compared to only 75% of low-income students."

The statistics surrounding FAFSA completion reveal a concerning pattern of disparities and missed opportunities. While the average time to complete the form is relatively low, there are significant gaps in completion rates among various demographic groups. The fact that a large percentage of high school seniors do not submit a FAFSA, coupled with disparities in completion rates based on race and income levels, highlights the need for targeted efforts to increase accessibility and awareness of financial aid opportunities. Despite the substantial amount of federal aid awarded through the FAFSA, there remains a persistent issue of underutilization, particularly among marginalized communities. Efforts to streamline the application process, provide additional support, and address systemic barriers are essential in ensuring that all eligible students have access to the financial resources they need to pursue higher education.

Jannik Lindner

Jannik is the Co-Founder of Gitnux and has been working in the digital space since 2016. He is specialized in content and tech.

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