High School students and those returning to school and looking for financial assistance will need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA. To promote completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) the Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development (MDHEWD) is launching the Finish Your FAFSA campaign and hosting last-minute FAFSA Frenzy events.
The goal is to bring awareness to common FAFSA errors, and remind students of upcoming financial aid deadlines. Free assistance to complete the FAFSA is available at FAFSA Frenzy events throughout Missouri, and at some Missouri Job Centers.
Several common errors can prevent the application from being processed correctly, leaving students without the financial aid they may need to enroll next fall. Many students mistype their Social Security number, birth date, or even forget to sign the application before submitting it. Students are encouraged to review their Student Aid Report to check for mistakes that may need correcting.
The priority deadline for the Access Missouri Grant – the state’s largest student financial aid program – is quickly approaching. Students must complete the FAFSA by Tuesday, Feb. 1, to be guaranteed a grant award if they meet all eligibility requirements.
Students completing the FAFSA after Feb. 1 but before the April 1 final deadline could still receive a grant if funding is available. However, early submission of the FAFSA is encouraged because funds are limited. Students can file the FAFSA online at fafsa.gov or by downloading the myStudentAid mobile app.
Financial aid professionals, high school counselors, and other volunteers provide free assistance during FAFSA Frenzy events.
