A new mandate in Oklahoma requires students to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, to graduate from a public high school.

FAFSA is a form that allows students to apply for federal student aid, such as federal grants, work-study funds, and loans.

Krystal Hutchinson, Director of Post-Secondary Readiness for Tulsa Public Schools, explained that seniors graduating in 2025 must complete the FAFSA to meet graduation requirements. Families may choose to opt out, but an opt-out form must be signed before the student's final semester of high school.

Hutchinson believes this rule will help raise awareness about financial aid and inform students and parents about available funding after high school.

"My hope is that it has an overall positive impact. We know that when kids do complete the FAFSA application, the likelihood that they are going to enroll in a post-secondary institution skyrockets. So, my hope is that as we get these applications finished, students and their families will start to see that post-secondary education is obtainable,” Hutchinson said.

Hutchinson added that in recent years, Tulsa Public Schools has hosted events to provide one-on-one support with experts to help students apply for financial aid. FAFSA applications open on Dec. 1.