A bill aimed at assisting Pennsylvania families in making informed decisions about college and job training programs has been approved by the Senate. Senate Bill 310, introduced by Senator Scott Martin of Lancaster, mandates that high school seniors complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application determines eligibility for various financial aid programs at federal, state, and school levels. By completing the FAFSA, families gain access to essential information regarding aid packages for higher education and other educational programs.
Senator Martin emphasized the importance of this policy in addressing workforce needs and enhancing educational empowerment and access. “Given our workforce needs in the years ahead, we cannot afford to see so many students miss out on chances to train for quality careers simply because they think they can’t afford it,” Martin stated. “Universal FAFSA completion can help us bridge this gap.”
In 2024, Pennsylvania’s FAFSA completion rate was reported at 51.8 percent by the U.S. Department of Education. As of 2025, this rate has dropped to just below 50 percent.
The bill allows families who opt not to complete the application to do so via a form provided to parents or guardians. The requirement is set to take effect in the 2025-26 school year.
According to estimates from the National College Attainment Network, the high school class of 2024 left nearly $4.4 billion in federal Pell Grants unclaimed nationwide, with over $147 million unclaimed in Pennsylvania alone. Data shows that 92 percent of students who completed the FAFSA enrolled in postsecondary programs by November following their graduation, compared to a 51 percent enrollment rate among those who did not complete it.
Currently, nine other states have policies related to FAFSA completion. Louisiana saw its completion rate increase by nearly 26 percent after implementing a universal FAFSA policy in 2018.
The Senate had previously approved similar legislation in 2023 with a vote of 46-4. The bill now advances to the House of Representatives for further consideration.
