The fall semester may not be over yet, but it’s already time to start thinking about continuing your education next year. On Oct. 1, students became eligible to fill out their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application.
What is FAFSA?
FAFSA is a FREE online form that needs to be filled out every year by current and prospective students to determine how much financial aid they are eligible for. It takes into account your tax information, as well as your parents’ (if you’re a dependent) to determine an expected family contribution.
Why FAFSA though?
If you want to receive any form of government assistance for school, filling out the FAFSA is required and should be the first step. Students should never be charged for filling out the FAFSA.
“The FAFSA lets the student know how much they can get from a Federal Pell Grant,” Coordinator of Financial Aid Jennifer Walker said. “Filling it out earlier is much better so students can meet the deadline and know what other aid they are eligible for. Some students are also randomly chosen to verify their tax information, and if any additional documents are needed, they can get those taken care of before school starts.”
What is the deadline?
- The State Priority deadline for FAFSA is Feb. 1.
- The School Priority deadline is March 31.
- The Scholarship deadline March 1.
- The final Federal Deadline June 30.
Every student can receive help at the financial aid office in Cass Hall. For more information, contact 417-255-7243 or email Jennifer Walker.