Malone extends enrollment decision day to June 1 in the midst of FAFSA delays
In an effort to demonstrate Malone’s ongoing commitment to walk alongside students and their families through the whole admissions process, the University announced today that it has extended its Decision Day deadline from May 1 to June 1 for the incoming Fall 2024 class.
This decision was reached in response to ongoing delays and complications related to receiving Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) data from the U.S. Department of Education.
"We recognize that the college search process can cause stress and anxiety under typical circumstances, especially for families who are doing it for the first time,” said Eric Young, Ph.D., vice president for enrollment and marketing. “With this additional complicating factor, we want to do what we can to help lessen the pressure families may feel as they navigate this process. Extending our deadline is just one way we can do that.
The Department of Education recently announced that universities will not receive students’ FAFSA results until at least the middle of March. Even after institutions begin receiving data, it will still take Malone and other universities several weeks to process financial aid offers for students accurately.
“As we absorb the news of further FAFSA delays, our office will do what we’ve always done as we tackle the challenges in front of us. We will process FAFSA information as carefully and thoroughly as possible and shield our students and families from the negative outcome of these delays,” said Pam Pustay, director of financial aid. “When all is said and done, we want to ensure that our families have the financial aid information they need so they can make the best-informed decision without feeling rushed.”
Malone’s decision is in alignment with recommendations from national college access and counseling organizations. But, more than that, it is an additional way to demonstrate Christian hospitality to families who are considering Malone.
“By extending our deadline, it gives prospective students additional time not only to ask questions about their aid offers, but for campus visits and connection with our community. Ultimately, though, our concern is leaning on our Christian values to guide our work on behalf of each individual student so that their best interest is first and foremost.”
Over the next several weeks, prospective students can take the following steps:
- Apply to Malone if they have yet to do so
- Submit the FAFSA and add Malone’s school code (003072)
- Continue making campus visits and ask questions specific to their interests
- Utilize Malone’s Net Price Calculator to estimate potential cost of attendance
- Reach out to Malone’s Admissions Office with any questions