Statehouse — A bill authored by State. Sen Jean Leising (R-Oldenburg) that would help Indiana students obtain financial aid for higher education passed the House of Representatives on Tuesday.
According to the Indiana College Readiness Report 2022, the state’s college-going rate has gradually decreased from 65% to 53% since 2015. Additionally, the National College Attainment Network currently ranks Indiana 38th in the nation with approximately 36.4% of FAFSA applications received so far.
Senate Enrolled Act 167 would require all Indiana students, with exceptions, to submit the FAFSA during their senior year of high school to help them see what post-secondary education opportunities are available.
“Every year, thousands of dollars go unclaimed by Indiana students because they do not apply for or know about the FAFSA and the educational opportunities it can assist with,” Leising said. “I hope SEA 167 helps all students see what post-secondary schooling options are available to them.”
SEA 167 would not require students to file if a parent signs a waiver claiming the student understands what the FAFSA is and declines to complete it or a principal/school counselor employed at the student’s high school waives the requirement due to extenuating circumstances.
To learn more about the bill, visit iga.in.gov.
(State Senator Jean Leising press release)
