The Role of Application Assistance and Information in College Decisions: Results from the H&R Block Fafsa Experiment*

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ID: 300974
2012
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Abstract
Abstract Growing concerns about low awareness and take-up rates for government support programs like college financial aid have spurred calls to simplify the application process and enhance visibility. We present results from a randomized field experiment in which low-income individuals receiving tax preparation help were also offered immediate assistance and a streamlined process to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for themselves or their children. Treated participants were also provided with aid estimates that were compared against tuition cost amounts for nearby colleges. The combined assistance and information treatment substantially increased FAFSA submissions and ultimately the likelihood of college attendance, persistence, and aid receipt. In particular, high school seniors whose parents received the treatment were 8 percentage points more likely to have completed two years of college, going from 28% to 36%, during the first three years following the experiment. Families who received aid information but no assistance with the FAFSA did not experience improved outcomes. The findings suggest many other opportunities for using personal assistance to increase participation in programs that require filling out forms to become eligible.
Reference Key
openalex_W2033589540 Use this key to autocite in the manuscript while using SciMatic Manuscript Manager or Thesis Manager
Authors Eric Bettinger, Bridget Terry Long, Philip Oreopoulos, Lisa Sanbonmatsu
Journal the quarterly journal of economics
Year 2012
DOI
10.1093/qje/qjs017
URL
https://doi.org/10.1093/qje/qjs017
Keywords Keywords not found

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