The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) collects the data necessary to determine a student's eligibility for participation in the following federal student assistance programs identified in the Higher Education Act (HEA): the Federal Pell Grant Program; the Campus-Based Programs; the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program; the Federal Family Education Program; the Academic Competitiveness Grant; and the National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grant.
The total net FAFSA burden hours will increase by 286,400 hours. This results from an adjustment of 636,995 hours and program change decrease of 350,595.
The adjustment results from a projected 3 percent increase in the total number of FAFSA submissions during the 2009-2010 FAFSA processing cycle. This growth is due to the weakening national economy (individuals historically return to school during economic downturns) and a growth in the college age population in the U.S. from the previous year.
The program change reduction results from the removal of the FAFSA4caster tool as an IC from last year's submission.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.