Starting with the class of 2025, Nebraska public high school seniors must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or submit an opt-out form to graduate. This "Universal FAFSA" requirement is designed to encourage students to explore available financial aid for post-secondary education and make an informed decision about their next steps after high school.

Why It Matters

A recent report from Georgetown University estimates that by 2031, 72 percent of jobs in the United States will require postsecondary education and/or training. Completing the FAFSA helps reduce financial barriers to earning advanced credentials and degrees.

Need more reasons?

• The Nebraska class of 2024 left approximately $23 million in Pell Grants on the table. source

• Nebraska students who qualify for aid receive an average of $4,794 in grants for college.  source

• Students who complete the FAFSA are more likely to attend college than those who do not complete the form.  source

Start Early

Although the 2026-27 FAFSA opens October 1, it’s crucial to begin outreach to seniors and their families in the fall. Early communication will ensure students understand the graduation requirement and how the FAFSA can open doors to their futures.

Use Your Partners

Collaboration is key to a successful Universal FAFSA rollout. Take advantage of the resources provided by the following partners:

• Nebraska Department of Education: Created the opt-out form and offers guidance on the Universal FAFSA requirement.

• EducationQuest Foundation: Provides support through FAFSA Training webinars and a Social Press Kit for outreach to families.

• Nebraska Coordinating Commission: Helps track FAFSA completion across the state with the FAFSA completion initiative.

• Nebraska FAFSA Task Force: Offers lesson plans for maximizing FAFSA completion.

Spread The Word

Effective communication is essential to help students and their families understand and comply with Universal FAFSA requirements. Here are several strategies to consider:

1. Social Media: Utilize the Social Press Kit, which includes content tailored for Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter/X. Resources are available in both English and Spanish.

2. Newsletters: Include relevant articles in school newsletters to inform seniors and families about the graduation requirement and offer resources for completing the FAFSA.

3. Email Campaigns: Send targeted emails to seniors and their parents stressing the key messages about Universal FAFSA and its importance for making post-secondary education decisions. Include a link to EducationQuest’s FAFSA Demo and free one-on-one FAFSA appointments.

Be Innovative

Nebraska public high schools can take several steps to enhance the implementation of the Universal FAFSA requirement.

• Host School Events: Organize watch parties at your school for EducationQuest’s FAFSA webinars, ensuring students and families can access guided support.

  • Consider applying for a Do The FAFSA Nebraska Completion Grant to promote the event and provide food to those in attendance. 

• Talk Directly To Seniors: Use the Universal FAFSA Lesson Plans in our Google classroom to help seniors understand the financial aid process and complete the FAFSA.

• Track FAFSA Completion Rates: Use FAFSA Completion Initiative data to identify trends and areas for improvement.

Become a Certified FAFSA Coach to empower students to unlock opportunities. 

Track Your Progress

• Cross-check school records with data from the FAFSA Completion Initiative.

Celebrate Your Success