Oklahoma Sees Historic Rise in FAFSA Completions, Lawmakers Celebrate

Oklahoma has achieved a remarkable milestone in education funding, with recent data showing a significant increase in completions of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). According to the National College Attainment Network, the state recorded a year-over-year increase of 49.4%, propelling it from the lowest national rankings to 29th overall. This improvement has been hailed by state lawmakers as a crucial step towards enhancing access to higher education for Oklahoma students.

The surge in FAFSA completions is largely attributed to legislative efforts spearheaded by Sen. Dave Rader and Rep. Anthony Moore, who championed the passage of Senate Bill 93 in 2023. This legislation mandates that high school seniors complete the FAFSA to graduate, a requirement that has now shown tangible results. “These numbers speak for themselves and prove that Oklahoma’s FAFSA graduation requirement is already delivering results,” said Senator Rader. He emphasized the importance of higher education in expanding economic opportunities and creating a skilled workforce.

Data from the National College Attainment Network underscores Oklahoma’s exceptional growth in FAFSA completions, distinguishing it as the state with the largest increase in the nation. Chancellor Sean Burrage praised the efforts of Rader and Moore, stating, “Completing the FAFSA opens the door for students to access numerous state and federal scholarships, grants, and work-study programs.” He noted the importance of encouraging students to complete the FAFSA promptly each year, as many financial aid opportunities are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

The implications of this increase in FAFSA submissions could have a profound impact on the amount of federal financial aid awarded to Oklahoma students. Ongoing discussions among state regents are exploring how this uptick may affect funding levels and accessibility for families seeking higher education options.

As Oklahoma continues to make strides in educational access, the focus remains on ensuring that students are equipped with the necessary resources and support to pursue their college aspirations. The state’s commitment to improving FAFSA completion rates represents a significant investment in the future of its youth and the overall economic health of the region.