The Office of Federal Student Aid released updated FAFSA guidance on which students should indicate they receive free or reduced-price school lunch. While all Michigan public school students are currently eligible for free lunch through state-level funding, students are now advised to check the box for receiving free or reduced-price school lunch ONLY if their annual household income falls below $60,000 to comply with the U.S. Department of Agriculture income eligibility guidelines.
The updated FAFSA guidance is a change from previous FSA instruction for states like Michigan, where all public school students receive free lunch through state-level funding and were previously advised to check the box regardless of income level. The former guidance was included in FAFSA trainings and communications from MCAN and the National College Attainment Network. You should update any notes from those sources accordingly. Students who have already submitted their FAFSA and who selected the free or reduced-price lunch box are advised to refrain from taking any action and to await further instruction from colleges regarding any changes.
We understand the frustration this change is causing for school counselors, college advisers, and our other educational partners, as well as for Michigan students and families. We are here to help. MCAN’s team is working closely with NCAN to adapt and provide our network with the most up-to-date resources and information available. We are committed to educating our communities on the new FAFSA guidelines and eligibility requirements, as we strive to make sure all students have equitable and affordable pathways to college.
In addition to sharing information with our network, MCAN is:
- Working with media throughout Michigan to educate students and families about this change to the FAFSA guidance.
- Sharing information on MCAN social media and our website for others to reference.
- Creating simple, direct materials explaining the change that can be shared with school counselors, advisers, and others who work with students.
Thank you for your patience and adaptability as we work toward our collective goal of Sixty by 30.
The Office of Federal Student Aid released updated FAFSA guidance on which students should indicate they receive free or reduced-price school lunch. While all Michigan public school students are currently eligible for free lunch through state-level funding, students are now advised to check the box for receiving free or reduced-price school lunch ONLY if their annual household income falls below $60,000 to comply with the U.S. Department of Agriculture income eligibility guidelines.