In an effort to relieve pressure on students and families due to the ongoing delays and issues with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the University of Utah will extend its enrollment deposit deadline to June 3, 2024, for incoming freshmen and transfer students. An enrollment deposit is required of students who are admitted to the university before they can attend new student orientation and register for classes.
“We recognize that choosing where to attend college is one of the biggest financial decisions a family can make,” said Steve Robinson, senior associate vice president for enrollment management. “Given the latest FAFSA delays, we want to ensure all admitted students have time to learn about aid packages available. We feel it is in their best interest to provide more time so that they can feel confident before committing to the university.”
The university’s Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid is processing FAFSA applications and financial awards as quickly as possible and will continue to update students and families about any further delay. Updates are posted to the office’s website.
In previous years, the FAFSA application would open in October and the enrollment deposit deadline is the following May 1. This year the U.S. Department of Education made changes to the FAFSA such as reducing the number of questions from 100 down to 30, which would have streamlined the process for applicants. It’s believed the difficulties both applicants and universities are experiencing will be resolve when the October 2024 FAFSA is opened.
“We are working diligently to review the forms that were delayed,” said Anthony Jones, executive director of scholarships and financial aid. “We hope to be able to start sending out financial aid offers in the coming weeks.”
Additionally, the national FAFSA delays will change the 2024-2025 housing application at the university. All first-year students who submit a housing application by June 5 will be guaranteed on-campus student housing. The original May 3 first-year housing application deadline will remain as a “priority application date” for students who wish to participate in the first round of traditional housing room reservations. More information can be found on the Housing & Residential Education website.
Despite the uncertainties, students are encouraged to submit their enrollment deposit, housing application, and FAFSA as early as possible. To submit a deposit, visit the Utah Admissions website.