Journey to College

 

I need to file my FAFSA when?

Jan. 3, 2017

 

The 2017-18 Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly known as the FAFSA, became available Oct. 1, 2016. As a result, some deadlines for filing the FAFSA have changed. Two important deadlines you need to know are: the Access Missouri Grant deadline and your college’s financial aid deadline. Determine which deadline comes first, and make sure you meet it!

 

Access Missouri Grant

 

The Access Missouri Grant is awarded to more than 45,000 students in Missouri each year. The grant is based on financial need and requires you to complete the FAFSA in order to determine your eligibility.

 

Students who are currently enrolled in college may remember April 1 as the Access Missouri FAFSA deadline in previous years. This year, however, Feb. 1 has been set as the priority deadline for filing your FAFSA. That means you need to complete your FAFSA on or before Feb. 1, 2017, to be guaranteed a grant award if you meet all other Access Missouri Grant requirements.

 

April 1, 2017, is the final deadline for filing your FAFSA to be eligible for the Access Missouri Grant. Anyone who submits a FAFSA between Feb. 1 and April 1 and meets all eligibility requirements will receive a grant based on available funding.

Don’t wait until the last minute to complete your FAFSA – the earlier you file, the better!

For more information about the Access Missouri Grant – including all eligibility requirements – visit http://dhe.mo.gov/ppc/grants/accessmo.php.

 

College deadlines

 

Each higher education institution has its own deadline for students to complete the FAFSA. The financial aid office uses your FAFSA information to determine your eligibility for some grants, scholarships, loans and work-study programs. Check with your college to make sure you don’t miss its deadline.

 

Other grant and scholarships programs also may require you to file a FAFSA. Even if you don’t think you’re eligible for financial aid, file anyway. It only takes about 30 minutes. Go to https://fafsa.ed.gov/ to get started.

 

Tips for filing the FAFSA include:

  • Sign up for an FSA ID prior to starting your FAFSA so you can sign it electronically.

  • Make sure your parent has a separate FSA ID.

  • Use 2015 tax information.

  • If you need help completing your FAFSA, contact your college’s financial aid office.