Angelina M., a Fort Lauderdale high school senior, has her sights set on a career in neuroscience. She wasn’t sure how she’d make it work financially until she completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The process took less than 20 minutes, far simpler than she expected, and she qualified for over $7,000 in Pell Grants—dollars she doesn’t have to pay back.
“Without FAFSA, there would have been additional unnecessary stress,” she says.
Now, Angelina is applying to college, ready to pursue her career goals and an education she believes will change her life.
Angelina is one of thousands of Florida students whose futures were unlocked by financial aid. Completing the FAFSA is the ultimate gateway to an affordable higher education, qualifying students for federal and state grants, subsidized student loans, work-study, and some scholarships. According to the National College Attainment Network, high school seniors who complete the FAFSA are 84% more likely to enroll in postsecondary education immediately after graduation.
Yet Florida students routinely miss out on hundreds of millions of federal Pell dollars each year. Florida ranks in the bottom third of states in FAFSA completions, with just 55% of Florida seniors completing the form through late summer.
Fortunately, momentum is shifting. In 2026, Florida’s year-to-year FAFSA completion rate increased by 15 percentage points, making it one of the most improved states in the nation. This progress is thanks to a swell in statewide support. More than 500 schools participated in the Florida College Access Network’s FAFSA Challenge, working to increase FAFSA completion alongside local college access networks and community organizations. Additionally, 30 state legislators actively championed the FAFSA in their districts this year.
But we must do better. Many students and families remain unaware that this resource exists, assume they will not qualify, or are intimidated by the paperwork. However, recent federal updates have streamlined the FAFSA form, enabling most families to finish it in under 30 minutes. Furthermore, Pells Grants now cover not only traditional college degrees but extend to high-quality, short-term workforce training programs lasting as little as eight weeks.
The outlook is bright. The Florida Legislature wisely passed a bill embedding FAFSA and financial aid education directly into the mandatory high school financial literacy course starting in the 2026 – 2027 school year. This instruction ensures that every student learns how to unlock these resources before graduation.
Yet, Florida can do even more. Top-performing FAFSA states require or incentivize students to fill out the form. For example, Texas requires high school seniors to either complete the FAFSA or sign an official opt-out form to graduate. This simple, flexible policy drove Texas FAFSA completions to spike 26% in its first year. Implementing a similar policy in Florida would cost the state nothing, require minimal effort, and deliver a massive economic return.
A robust workforce demands action. Georgetown University’s Center for Education and the Workforce predicts that 64% of Florida jobs will require a postsecondary education by 2031. The Florida Chamber Foundation forecasts that nearly all high-demand careers in our state will require a degree or workforce credential by 2033. Yet today, only 54.8% of working-age Floridians hold one. We must close this gap.
Boosting FAFSA completion and with it, enrollment in college and training programs will help us do it. Indeed, Helios Education Foundation estimates that increasing college enrollment in Florida by just 10% would generate economic gains of over $8 billion a year through higher wages, increased revenues, and reduced reliance on public assistance.
Florida is proudly ranked number one in the nation for higher education. Our FAFSA completion rates should reflect that powerhouse status. By tying FAFSA completion to high school graduation, we can ensure that every student can afford to continue their educations, unlock their full potential, and embark on rewarding careers that contribute to the economic vitality of our state.
Braulio Colón is co-founder and executive director of the Florida College Access Network. With over 20 years of professional experience leading education policy, philanthropy, and community collaborative initiatives, he has guided major investments across Florida toward improving education & career outcomes for students. He was recently named one of Florida’s 500 most influential business leaders by Florida Trend magazine.
