College Affordability Summit: FAFSA & Beyond

The 2026 College Affordability Summit will bring together practitioners, policymakers, and postsecondary partners to strengthen financial aid efforts across the region. Amid shifting federal policy and evolving local challenges, this convening aims to share best practices, deepen cross-state collaboration, and clarify the roles and responsibilities of all actors in improving student access to financial aid.

If you are interested in presenting or facilitating a session at the Summit, please complete this form to share your proposal.

Summit Goals

• Equip state-level stakeholders to address emerging topics related to college affordability that advances states’ postsecondary attainment and workforce development goals.
• Strengthen intra-state and cross-sector sharing of best practices on college and career attainment, cost transparency, financial aid policy, and FAFSA completion support.
• Promote regional and national collaboration, with a particular focus on the Midwest, by highlighting organizations and initiatives advancing FAFSA completion and college affordability and by facilitating dialogue around the sharing of resources and effective practices across states.