Fact Check: Does FAFSA Ask White Applicants to Specify Their Ethnic Background?

Media Bias Fact Check (MBFC) publishes daily vetted fact checks from verified IFCN-approved sources. Each claim is independently reviewed for accuracy and context.


Claimant: Social Media


Claim: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid asks white applicants to specify their ethnic background.


Rating: TRUE


Explanation: Since 2024, FAFSA has included optional subcategories for applicants of many racial and ethnic backgrounds, including white applicants. The data collection is intended to better understand student needs, and applicants may also choose “prefer not to answer.”


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Date: 01/13/2026


 


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Last Updated on January 13, 2026 by Media Bias Fact Check

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