FAFSA Graduation Requirement
FAFSA
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
This FAFSA page provides information, resources and materials to assist Nebraska public school districts to implement the FAFSA graduation requirement Neb. Rev. Stat. § 79-729. Periodically additional resources will be posted for school’s to use when helping high school seniors fulfill this graduation requirement.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) informs postsecondary institutions about student eligibility for grants, work-study opportunities, and student loans. In addition, some scholarship providers require information from a student’s FAFSA to determine eligibility and award amounts. Financial aid offers based on submitting a completed FAFSA help students pay for educational expenses after high school, reducing barriers to postsecondary education.
Neb. Rev. Stat. § 79-729, provides that, beginning in school year 2024-2025, each public high school senior student must complete and submit to the United States Department of Education a FAFSA prior to graduating from high school. A student will not be required to submit a FAFSA if an opt-out form is filled out and signed by a parent or guardian, the student themselves if 19 years old, or by the school principal or principal’s designee.
FAFSA Opt-Out
NDE is offering model FAFSA Opt-Out templates for school districts to follow as they may customize to local needs (while aligning to similar contextual content of template).
Each school district will determine their own local FAFSA opt-out form. All parents or guardians or students will need to use the local school district’s forms and follow local school district procedures. Elgin Public School utilizes the attached opt-out form which needs to be turned in to the superintendent by April 15 of graduating year.