Three Outstanding (and Free) FAFSA Resources for Students and Families

Fiscal year 2026 proposal includes increased investments in student success, postsecondary access
New data from Lumina Foundation show 0.7% increase in Michiganders with college degrees and certificates.
Partnership between Michigan College Access Network and Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals offers professional development opportunity for aspiring K-12 principals
Navigating the world of financial aid can be a daunting task for students and their families. With unfamiliar terminology, deadline pressure, and not knowing where to go for support, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Fortunately, there are several free, reliable tools designed to help simplify the process. Whether students and families are new to the process of applying for federal financial aid and want to better understand the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or are nearing the end of the process and want to make an informed decision about comparing financial aid offers, there are resources to guide them every step of the way. The National College Attainment Network (NCAN) highlights three of the best free FAFSA resources that can help make the financial aid journey more straightforward.
MCAN Executive Director Ryan Fewins-Bliss testified on SB 1142, which would change professional development requirements for school counselors, before the Michigan Senate Education Committee meeting on Dec. 10, 2024.
MCAN Executive Director Ryan Fewins-Bliss testified on SB 463, Universal FAFSA, before the Michigan House Education Committee meeting on Dec. 10, 2024.
Crain's Detroit Business
“To compete in the global economy, Michigan needs to build a flexible, well-educated workforce that is ready for the challenges of tomorrow. This budget demonstrates the governor’s commitment to our future by supporting increased college readiness, participation and completion," MCAN Executive Director Ryan Fewins-Bliss said in a statement.
The Iron Mountain Daily News
MiLEAP is partnering with the Michigan College Access Network to support districts in their efforts. The Iron Mountain school board last month approved a change its graduation policy to accommodate the FAFSA initiative.
The Detroit News
"Even though we have a small uptick, that's a win, and we want to celebrate that," Fewins-Bliss said. "But we are still leaps and bounds away from where we were at the peak time of enrollment and FAFSA completion."