INDIANA — With only days remaining, Indiana education officials are issuing a final call for high school seniors to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before the critical April 15 deadline.
Completing the FAFSA is not only a requirement for high school graduation in Indiana but is also the essential gateway for students to be considered for state-level financial aid for college.
As of April 2, only 45% of Indiana’s high school seniors had completed the application. This figure is notably lower than the previous year’s performance, where 55% of seniors met the April 15 cutoff.
The Indiana Commission for Higher Education notes a significant disparity among different student groups:
- Current Completion: 45% of all seniors as of early April.
- Previous Year Comparison: 55% met the April deadline, with an additional 5% finishing by June 30 for federal aid consideration.
- 21st Century Scholars: Completion rates for students in this state-based need program are nearly 10 percentage points higher than the general student population.
Graduation Requirements and “Opt-Out” Provisions
Under Indiana law, the FAFSA is a mandatory step for graduating seniors. However, the state provides flexibility for those who choose a different path. Seniors who do not complete the form by the April 15 deadline must officially opt out to remain eligible for graduation.
Why the Deadline Matters
Missing the April 15 window can have significant financial consequences for Hoosier families. While federal aid applications remain open later into the year, the April 15 date is the hard deadline for many state-specific grants and scholarships that do not require repayment.
Financial aid experts encourage all families to apply, regardless of income, as the FAFSA is often used to determine eligibility for:
- Federal Pell Grants
- State-funded scholarships (such as the Frank O’Bannon Grant)
- Work-study programs
- Subsidized student loans
Where to Get Help
Students and elective guardians seeking assistance with the filing process can find resources through the Indiana Commission for Higher Education. Many high schools across Lawrence and surrounding counties also host “FAFSA Filing Days” to provide one-on-one technical support for families navigating the online portal.
For more information or to begin an application, residents should visit the official federal portal at studentaid.gov.
