Good afternoon. My name is Wil Casaine, and I am Executive Director of Financial Aid, Tutoring and The Center for Student Success at The College of New Jersey. I also serve as President Elect during this academic year for the New Jersey Association of Student Financial Aid Professionals, NJASFAA. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to speak with you today.
During my portion of testimony, I would like to discuss the idea of simplification, and specifically address a current process that could be streamlined to relieve families from of an additional burden that comes with the application for State grant funds.
First, some perspective: The Federal government is currently debating topics such as FAFSA simplification and a ‘one loan, one grant’ program. Several years back, a new, targeted federal verification process was implemented. Across campuses, we have seen a lower percentage of students selected for verification and less …show more content…
We enjoy a great working relationship with HESAA and they are very receptive to suggestions and changes from the aid community. We also know that HESAA is working with the State Treasurer’s Office to gather part of this data through the NJ Resident Return, but in the end, even with this data match, this additional step remains.
The Association believes that elimination of these additional questions would benefit all of the 70,000 recipients of TAG and EOF in the state. Simplification of financial aid processes and requirements also allows for a smoother transition to higher education. It is clear that one essential step in helping to keep college affordable for students and their families is to make sure that they have the information and counseling they need to make the best possible decisions, as early as possible, and to remove barriers from their path to academic and financial
During my portion of testimony, I would like to discuss the idea of simplification, and specifically address a current process that could be streamlined to relieve families from of an additional burden that comes with the application for State grant funds.
First, some perspective: The Federal government is currently debating topics such as FAFSA simplification and a ‘one loan, one grant’ program. Several years back, a new, targeted federal verification process was implemented. Across campuses, we have seen a lower percentage of students selected for verification and less …show more content…
We enjoy a great working relationship with HESAA and they are very receptive to suggestions and changes from the aid community. We also know that HESAA is working with the State Treasurer’s Office to gather part of this data through the NJ Resident Return, but in the end, even with this data match, this additional step remains.
The Association believes that elimination of these additional questions would benefit all of the 70,000 recipients of TAG and EOF in the state. Simplification of financial aid processes and requirements also allows for a smoother transition to higher education. It is clear that one essential step in helping to keep college affordable for students and their families is to make sure that they have the information and counseling they need to make the best possible decisions, as early as possible, and to remove barriers from their path to academic and financial