February 22, 2024

With the ongoing challenges presented by updates to the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form, Ramapo College has extended the deadline for new students to accept their admission to June 1.

“This decision is part of Ramapo College’s ongoing commitment to affordability and true to our values and brand of individualized attention.  We recognize the delays to the FAFSA have hindered families and students in the decision making process,” said Dr. Christopher Romano, vice president for strategic enrollment, outreach, and engagement.

Traditionally, the unofficial national deadline to accept admission has been May 1, a date when high school seniors race to school donning college swag as a way to announce to their classmates and teachers where they have decided to enroll. Given that the Department of Education changed when data from completed forms will be shared with colleges and universities, now mid-March, the challenge to quickly push out College Financial Plans (CFP) to students and families has been passed onto colleges. Historically, students have had roughly four months to review their aid packages and determine where to attend college by May 1. That time has been cut by more than half. Moving the deadline gives students and families additional time to consider their options and ask questions of our Financial Aid and Admissions teams, before making a decision.

Ramapo College is known for its tight-knit community, and becoming part of Roadrunner community begins the moment the admission letters are sent. It is demonstrated by the wrap-around services immediately available to newly admitted students. Providing 1-on-1 financial aid and admissions counseling sessions as well as the recent introduction of FAFSA Fridays are just two ways Ramapo is helping new and continuing students navigate a difficult track.

The FAFSA Fridays initiative began this month, and students have already taken advantage of the drop-in opportunity. Students and families can visit campus without an appointment and sit with a financial aid counselor for support completing the FAFSA form, ask broader questions about the process and aid packages, or simply learn more about Ramapo College. If visiting campus on a Friday is not an option, calling the office for an on-the-spot conversation is also available. As always, appointments during other days of the week are encouraged and honored.

For more information or to speak with a member of the financial aid team, visit the Office of Financial Aid website, call 201-684-7549, or email finaid@ramapo.edu.