An attempt to simplify the government’s student aid process could make college more costly for farm families. Thanks to an omnibus bill that passed this past year included the change in the FAFSA or Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Previously, there was an exemption for families for families who owned farms or small businesses. American Farm Bureau Federation Director of Government Affairs Dustin Sherer says that exemption is now gone. “The example that’s been given is for a farm that’s valued at about $1 million under the old rules that family would have been expected to pay about $7,600 towards the education under the old rules. Under the new rules, that same family would be responsible for more than $41,000 which essentially would take you out of the Pell Grant and federal and state aid programs and force most people to take out student loans.” The FAFSA change takes effect for the 2024-2025 school year. Legislation has been introduced in both chambers of Congress to reinstate this exemption.
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