The ripples spreading through the waters are quickly becoming waves threatening to overwhelm both professionals and students alike.

It may seem dramatic to characterize the changes under OB3 in such terms. However, what makes sense on the surface gets more complicated with implementation.

The combination of the quick implementation of the new legislation, lack of detailed policy guidelines, and the need for students and parents to know how exactly how much an education will cost and how much financial aid they can receive – all combine to put financial aid professionals under a lot of pressure.  

And perhaps, part of the issue is the transition, where financial aid for some students will fall under the new rules while others are grandfathered under the old rules – that is if they meet specific guidelines.

For financial aid professionals, who endured the implementation of FAFSA Simplification in the recent past, the building anxiety is somewhat familiar.

And yet, as we saw with FAFSA Simplification, it was during this time that financial aid professionals relied on one another to address the implementation issues. Granted, there is a lot needed in terms of guidance from federal sources, but sometimes the best source of help is a fellow colleague.

It’s often the lifeline in the raging waters.

– By Catherine Mueller