ֱ

Skip to main content

The New York Times (NYT) spotlighted ֱ's unique response to ongoing FAFSA delays, including a quote from our Vice President for Enrollment Management Carolyn Noll Sorg. Read the entire article .

Usually released on October 1, this year’s FAFSA form was not widely available to families until the end of the year and only in what was called, “a soft launch.” On Jan 31, the very day colleges and universities expected to begin receiving ISIRs (FAFSA data from filers), Federal Student Aid notified us that ISIRs would be delayed further, until mid-March at the earliest. FAFSA delays directly impact financial aid awards from institutions, like ֱ, and students –and their families– who are awaiting aid packages before making college decisions. The latest delay led Noll Sorg and her Enrollment and Student Financial Services team to swiftly put together a plan to support students who want to enroll at ֱ this fall.

NYT

Noll Sorg's plan addresses families who were struggling to complete the FAFSA, and those who don’t intend to submit a FAFSA, and it allows families who completed the FAFSA to share their Student Aid Index (SAI) they received upon completing it. ֱ's Office of Enrollment and Student Financial Services will use the SAI to create a cost estimate now, rather than waiting for the FAFSA results to be sent to the institution by the US Department of Education in late March. As part of this estimate, ֱ will guarantee the amount of aid offered to families.

Noll Sorg

Carolyn Noll Sorg, Vice President for Enrollment Management

During Noll Sorg’s interview with the New York Times, she cited JCU’s values and frustrated families as motivation to create this opportunity for prospective students.

We are a Jesuit university and our mission is rooted in service. We have information that can help a family. We also recognize that our offer is one part of the puzzle for many families. We are working individually with every family. Even if they're ready to commit to JCU, they still need to know what it will cost.

Noll Sorg addressed families directly in a video posted to social media and the myJCU Gateway Student Portal for admitted students: view video

Admitted families seeking a cost estimate should log in to their myJCU Gateway Student Portal at and indicate their current FAFSA status:

  • For families who have filed (or will file) the FAFSA and received a confirmation with a Student Aid Index (SAI) number, ֱ will invite you to share your results with us directly. Cost estimates powered by your FAFSA will be guaranteed.
  • For families who are experiencing an error when attempting to file the FAFSA or who have received a confirmation without an SAI number, ֱ will work with you to provide our best estimate of cost.
  • For families who will not file the FAFSA, ֱ will develop your cost estimate with only merit-based scholarships in mind.

ֱ is still accepting applications for the incoming Fall 2024 class. Visit www.jcu.edu/applynow.