The federal application to obtain college financial aid next year is out early and it’s easier to complete. That’s big news after two years of chaotic and lengthy delays that left students little time to compare competing financial aid offers before deciding where to enroll.

That delay led to fewer students obtaining critical financial aid, especially among low-income students, and significant stress for families and college financial aid offices.

“So [the early rollout] has been really a breath of fresh air for a lot of parents to be able to start that process sooner,” said Christiana Thornton, president and CEO of Granite Edvance, which helps New Hampshire students and their families plan and pay for higher education at no charge. “And I think even for the schools, to be able to take t

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