Exploring the Complex Higher Ed Landscape in 2024
Every year, learners of all ages around the country make the life-altering decision about where, and whether, to attend college in the fall. This year brought fresh challenges and uncertainty to these decisions, including frustration over the new FAFSA launch, the recent Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action and decreasing college acceptance rates.
These challenges often disproportionately impact students from historically underrepresented populations. Two GitLab Foundation grantees working at the forefront of increasing access to higher education, Last Mile Education Fund and Benefits Data Trust, weighed in on the impact of these changes and how they’re approaching their work within the current landscape.
Navigating the FAFSA rollout
The recent FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) rollout has introduced significant delays and uncertainties for students relying on financial aid. Just under 30% of students have completed the form so far this year — a 20% decrease from last year and one of the sharpest declines in recent years.
Last Mile Education Fund, which provides grants and non-financial support to help financially-vulnerable underrepresented students complete their college degree, has observed an uptick in anxiety among its students due to FAFSA delays. A survey of their student community found that 57% have not received their financial aid information yet, and 43% are worried about having enough money for the fall semester.
Benefits Data Trust, which creates smarter ways to access essential benefits and services, reported similar experiences among Wyatt users. Wyatt is the organization’s AI-powered chatbot — that they have continued to iterate on with a GitLab Foundation grant — that helps high school seniors navigate the FAFSA application.
To date, Wyatt has helped over 30,000 students complete the application and secure almost $40 million in federal grants. Students using the tool complete the FAFSA earlier and more frequently than non-users, increasing the amount of aid they may receive. Benefits Data Trust has seen a jump in Wyatt users this year, suggesting there may be a growing reliance on such tools amid the FAFSA delays, said Stephen Rockwell, Chief Digital Officer at Benefits Data Trust.
Compounding challenges impact student finances and access to opportunities
This year’s challenges don’t stop with the FAFSA rollout. The Supreme Court's ruling on affirmative action has raised concerns, particularly for underrepresented students like those Last Mile Education Fund supports.
“The ruling could dampen students’ ability to access opportunities,” said Ruthe Farmer, CEO and founder. However, the organization has not changed its approach to supporting students in need. They continue to focus on students underrepresented in tech fields — including women, people of color and students from low-income backgrounds — and collaborate with like-minded organizations and student affinity groups to raise awareness of available resources.
The broader economic slowdown, inflation, and widespread layoffs in industries like tech, finance and media further complicate the higher education landscape. Economic uncertainties not only impact students’ full-time employment opportunities but also their ability to participate in summer research and internships, which are often critical for job placements. These factors make it harder for students to gain a well-paying job in their field, leaving them feeling less confident about their future prospects.
"Students are requesting more funds this year because they don't have the certainty they need," said Farmer.
Promising solutions ahead
Despite these challenges, there are positive developments. Students served by Last Mile Education Fund report that the support they received helped them reduce stress and improve academic performance. This month, nearly 500 of their students reported successfully graduating from college, a testament to the organization’s reach and impact.
Benefits Data Trust is building on Wyatt’s capabilities by expanding its web-based platform and offering more tailored, state-specific support through partnerships in Louisiana and Minnesota, with more to come.
Both organizations emphasized the broad positive impact of their work, not only for underserved students and families but also for employers and society as a whole.
“It’s not easy to navigate the financial aid and higher ed systems in the U.S. — and most of the students we work with navigate it by themselves, because their parents didn't go to college or don't have the resources to help them,” explained Farmer. “They've proven they can solve problems…that they're resilient and hardworking. Isn't that what you want in an employee? I’m excited about shifting that narrative.”
