As the coronavirus pandemic continues to upend normalcy and infect Americans, college students of every level are trying to adjust to virtual learning and socially distanced schools. 

But the virus and the ensuing recession have taken a particularly hard toll on community college students like Jasmine Justice. They’re often older, balancing school and full-time work. Many are single parents. Statistically, they’re often the first in their family to pursue postsecondary education and likely to come from a lower socioeconomic bracket—which impacts access to distance learning necessities like high-speed internet. 

The clock turned over on the financial aid calendar with the launch of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) earlier this month. With fall enrollment tracking far below last year's numbers, ensuring students are aware of their aid options is critical as the pandemic persists.

Several financial aid experts offer their thoughts on guiding students and families through a process made more complex by COVID-19.