During NCI listening sessions all aid administrators who addressed the topic agree we need to simplify the aid process for applicants. Some suggestions have referred to using IRS data in lieu of the FAFSA. This raises a number of questions. Please consider the questions below, and then express your views on potential methods for simplifying the student aid application process.

• Should we eliminate the FAFSA and determine need-based aid eligibility using existing data, such as IRS data? What parameters or other considerations would need to be taken into account if this was done?
• If we use an IRS data match to simplify the application process, would this still address the needs of states/institutions for packaging their student aid monies?
• Would students benefit from a simplified needs analysis approach that would allow them to know in advance the amount of need-based aid for which they qualify?
• Can you suggest alternative FAFSA simplification ideas in lieu of its elimination in favor of an IRS data match?
• Are there other simplification ideas or topic you can recommend that would help students or schools?

At the NCI Listening Sessions NASFAA has learned about many programs and efforts that are working to increase college access for economically disadvantaged, underserved, and underrepresented student groups. Based on your experience in the student aid profession, please comment on the following:

• In your experience in the financial aid field, what have you seen as the most effective ways to channel these student groups into a postsecondary institution? Why do you think these methods are so effective?
• Conversely, what are some methods that are not so effective? Why do you think they were not as effective?
• How critical is the role played by student aid in college access for these populations? What other factors are involved?

During NCI Listening Sessions being held across the country, NASFAA has asked attendees, “Should financial aid be used as a tool to level the playing field for economically disadvantaged, underserved, and underrepresented student groups?”

The overwhelming answer to this question has been an emphatic, “YES!”  However, recent trends in student aid have been moving the system away from this goal. Please let us know how this affects your office by answering any or all of the following questions:

• What does the current system do right? In what ways does the current financial aid system effectively level the playing field for economically disadvantaged, underserved, and underrepresented student groups?
• What is wrong with the current system? In what ways does the current financial aid system not level the playing field for economically disadvantaged, underserved, and underrepresented student groups?

At recent NCI listening sessions, NASFAA members offered recommendations for increasing early awareness and fostering college-going expectations. Some recommendations included

• Requiring  high school students to take a college prep course that includes financial aid information
• Using prior, prior year tax information to let students know what they will be eligible for earlier

What do you think of these ideas? Do you have other recommendations? How would you redesign the system to increase early awareness and foster college-going attitudes?