A new bill designed to help Louisiana high school students navigate the costs of higher education and technical training is advancing in the state legislature. House Bill 52 (HB 52), introduced by Rep. Matthew Willard (D-New Orleans), recently received unanimous approval from the Louisiana House Education Committee.
The legislation seeks to expand the state’s existing financial literacy curriculum—already a graduation requirement—by adding instruction on financial aid options for college, trade schools, and certification programs. This includes guidance on scholarships, grants, student loans, and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Why This Bill Matters
Louisiana has seen a sharp decline in FAFSA completion rates, dropping from one of the highest-ranking states to 28th in the nation. Rep. Willard emphasized that this trend is particularly concerning for a state with high poverty rates, where financial aid can be life-changing for students.
“Knowledge is power,” Willard told the committee. “We want students and families to know that postsecondary education—whether college, community college, or a trade certificate—is more attainable than many realize. They just need the right information.“
Key Provisions of House Bill 52
The proposed legislation would:
✔ Enhance financial literacy courses to include detailed financial aid education
✔ Cover scholarships, grants, loans, and FAFSA completion
✔ Apply to all postsecondary paths, including:
- Four-year universities
- Community colleges
- Trade and technical programs
✔ Help reverse Louisiana’s declining FAFSA submission rates
The Problem: Louisiana’s Falling FAFSA Completion Rates
Louisiana once ranked second in the nation for FAFSA submissions. However, after the state removed its policy requiring students to complete the FAFSA (or formally opt out), completion rates plummeted.
“While FAFSA applications increased nationwide, Louisiana moved in the opposite direction,” Willard noted. “This is alarming, especially for low-income families who rely on financial aid to access education.”
What Inspired the Bill?
The idea for HB 52 came from the New Orleans College and Career Attainment Network, which highlighted a similar successful model in Florida. The goal is to ensure students understand all available funding options before making post-graduation decisions.
Who Benefits?
- High school students exploring college or trade schools
- Parents navigating financial aid processes
- Low-income families who may not know about available grants and scholarships
- Louisiana’s workforce, as better-educated students contribute to economic growth
Next Steps for the Bill
With the House Education Committee’s approval, HB 52 now moves to the full Louisiana House of Representatives for a vote. If passed, it will proceed to the Senate for further consideration.
Potential Impact
If enacted, this bill could:
✅ Increase FAFSA completion rates
✅ Reduce student debt by promoting grants and scholarships over loans
✅ Boost enrollment in colleges, community colleges, and trade schools
✅ Strengthen Louisiana’s workforce with more skilled graduates
Conclusion: A Step Toward Greater Educational Access
House Bill 52 represents a crucial effort to demystify college and technical education costs for Louisiana students. By integrating financial aid education into high school curricula, the state aims to remove barriers to higher education and empower more students to pursue their career goals.
As the bill progresses, supporters hope it will reverse the decline in FAFSA applications and ensure all students—regardless of income—have the tools to afford their postsecondary education.
Stay Updated
Follow the latest developments on HB 52 as it moves through the Louisiana legislature. For students and families, this bill could be a game-changer in making education more accessible and affordable.