WTAS: Ernst Unlocks Education Access for Farm Families

RED OAK, Iowa – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) is earning sweeping praise across Iowa now that her Family Farm and Small Business Exemption Act has become law as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill.

Ernst’s effort reversed changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process that could reduce or even eliminate access to need-based aid for students of farm families and small business owners. It restores the original guidelines that exempt all farmland, machinery, other operational materials, and small businesses with fewer than 100 employees from being declared on the FAFSA form.

Here’s what folks are saying:

“We applaud Senator Ernst and the other members of our state’s congressional delegation for addressing this important issue,” said John Hartog III, President of Northwest Iowa Community College. “Because Senator Ernst exerted effective leadership with the passage of the Family Farm and Small Business Exemption Act, critical financial aid is once again available for more Iowa families, including community college students with demonstrated need. This piece of legislation was a major priority for community-minded leaders, especially for those of us who serve in rural settings, and so on behalf of our students, we are delighted to express our appreciation to the Senator for this positive outcome—well done!”

“Like many of the rural schools in Iowa, Graceland is appreciative of the work that Senator Ernst and others have done to improve the FAFSA calculations for farms and small business owners. So many of our students are also first-generation college graduates just like Senator Ernst and her commitment to our shared Iowa students continues to play a critical role in their success. Federal aid plays a crucial role in making higher education more accessible to families. Graceland, as one of the most affordable institutions in the state, is committed to maintaining reasonable tuition rates for families, providing institutional aid, and creating career opportunities for all of our students,” said Joel D. Shrock, PhD, President of Graceland University.

"Ensuring families with farming operations or small businesses can access financial aid through FAFSA has been a top priority for Iowa State University," said Iowa State University President Wendy Wintersteen. “This is huge for our students who would otherwise be ineligible for financial aid."

"Family farms and small businesses form the backbone of Iowa’s economy. Senator Ernst’s bill protects students from these families by ensuring they are not unfairly penalized when applying for financial aid. It offers a more accurate view of a student’s financial need and helps preserve family livelihoods while expanding access to higher education," said Dr. Nina Grant, Vice President of Student Affairs at Hawkeye Community College.

“Regarding Senator Ernst’s work on the FAFSA: Restoring the family farm and small business exemption on the FAFSA form was a key priority for Iowa's community colleges. We applaud Senator Ernst and other members of Iowa's congressional delegation for addressing this important issue. This will allow critical financial aid to be available for more Iowa families, including many community college students,” said Maggie Walker, Director of Financial Aid at Indian Hills Community College.

“Thank you to Senator Ernst for championing farm families and small business owners,” said Greg Christy, President of Northwestern College. “Many of our students come from families who own and operate family farms and small businesses in the upper Midwest. The previous changes to the FAFSA process had created a real hardship for these families and their students. I am grateful Senator Ernst has corrected this for future students and families. This will make it much more manageable for them to consider a standout education at Northwestern College and other independent colleges and universities in Iowa and the Great Plains. Thank you, Senator!”

Background:

In the wake of the Biden administration’s botched FAFSA rollout, Ernst consistently stood up for Iowa families to ensure they aren’t left behind when it comes to college aid opportunities.

She helped pass the FAFSA Deadline Act into law to give families the certainty they deserve, conducted critical oversight, demanded answers on behalf of agricultural communities, and worked to get input directly from impacted Iowans.

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