GAO Report Reveals FAFSA Rollout Failures

The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has criticized the Education Department for significant mismanagement during the rollout of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which experienced numerous issues, including over 55 technical defects and insufficient testing. The GAO's findings indicate that the Federal Student Aid Office underestimated the need for trained workers and call center agents, which led to a nearly 9% drop in applications, particularly from low-income students. Lawmakers, particularly Republicans, have responded by demanding accountability and have subpoenaed Education Secretary Miguel Cardona. The issues discovered are expected to impact the upcoming FAFSA cycle for the 2025-2026 academic year unless reforms are implemented. Many students, frustrated by the glitches and delays, opted out of applying altogether, leading to a 40% decrease in completion rates compared to the previous year. As the department prepares for the next FAFSA rollout, concerns remain about whether adequate changes will be made to prevent a repeat of last year's failures.