The first of May has long been the deadline for many students to decide where to attend college. But this year is different. For many applicants, 2024 will be known as the year when the financial aid systems in place for decades fell apart.

While picking a college is anxiety-inducing in a normal year, the government's handling of the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid upended that decision-making process. For some students, the result has been life changing.

To boost college enrollment and meet workforce needs, many states are offering free community college programs. It’s a well-intentioned (and bipartisan) idea to help people get the credentials they need and give states a way to build their supply of college-educated workers.

But what does "free" really mean? Do these programs effectively bring students back to college? And does saying something’s free diminish its value?

Photo: Adriana Heldiz

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress gave California’s public colleges and universities more than $8 billion in emergency funding to help students and schools weather the storm.

Now, as the final deadline to spend the money approaches this June, the boom is turning to bust. Most schools have exhausted the money, often through major purchases and programs. But maintaining those efforts can be costly, and with the state facing a budget deficit this year, college leaders say it’s not clear where the money will come from next.