The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) reported on a recent “Newsline” podcast episode that attempts to change the student aid process could make college more expensive for rural Americans.
The omnibus bill passed at the end of 2023 contained a smaller bill called the FAFSA Simplification Act, which aimed to shorten the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.
There was previously an exemption on the farm for families who owned farms or small businesses, but that exemption was not included in the FAFSA Simplification Act.
“Families with an adjusted gross income over $60,000 will be subject to the asset test,” said Chad Smith, AFBF director of government relations. “The change means it will cost farm families a lot more money to send their children to college.”
Legislation has been introduced in Congress to reinstate the exemption.
