Cincinnati schools boost FAFSA completion by 11% and college enrollment by 39%

The Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) Board Business Meeting on December 18, 2024, highlighted significant progress in student college enrollment and financial aid application rates. The meeting showcased a notable 11% increase in FAFSA application completions among students and families, attributed to the collaborative efforts of school counselors and community support.

The district reported a substantial rise in college matriculation rates, with 959 students from the class of 2023 enrolling in college the following fall, marking a 39% increase compared to the previous year. This improvement reflects a growing college-going culture within the district, although officials acknowledged the need to focus on student retention rates post-enrollment.

Board members expressed enthusiasm for the positive trends, with several praising the efforts of the CPS team. Discussions also touched on the importance of financial aid awareness, particularly regarding the Cincinnati Pride grant, which is available to all CPS graduates attending the University of Cincinnati. Board members emphasized the need to enhance communication about available financial aid options to ensure all eligible students are informed.

Overall, the meeting underscored CPS's commitment to supporting students in their transition to higher education, with plans to continue monitoring and improving both enrollment and retention rates in the future.