When Enrollment Goals Got Tough, This University Found a Way Forward

A Better Operational Model for Financial Aid Departments

With enrollment goals at risk due to FAFSA delays and staff reductions, a small, liberal-arts, private HBCU in the Southeast turned to Financial Aid Services for interim staffing support—ensuring continuity, compliance, and essential staff training.

Overview

This private, historically Black university has been a leader in education for nearly a century. Like many institutions across the country, it faced unprecedented financial aid challenges in Fall 2024. FAFSA delays and staffing reductions placed increased pressure on an already stretched financial aid team.

Challenges

Despite a strong number of admitted students in the funnel for Fall 2024, several obstacles disrupted financial aid operations.

FAFSA rollout delays pushed back award processing and enrollment timelines

High turnover in financial aid strained operations during peak processing periods

Increased administrative workload led to burnout and reduced service levels

With mounting pressure and no immediate solution in sight, the institution needed reinforcements to maintain student support and financial aid operations.

Solution

To ease the burden, the Director of Financial Aid engaged Financial Aid Services for Interim Staffing at the counselor level.

Student & Parent Communications
Managing inquiries, responding to emails, and ensuring timely updates.

Award Processing Assistance
Reviewing files, sending notifications, and reconciling awards.

Financial Aid Reconciliation Training
Filling a crucial staffing gap by training remaining staff.

Outcomes

By leveraging FAS’s Better Operational Model, the institution filled immediate staffing gaps and built a more sustainable and efficient financial aid operation.