Let’s Get Ready to FAFSA!

Although most of the Midwest considers October the perfect time of year to bring out the cozy sweaters, wool blankets, flannel shirts, and pumpkin spice, the Office of Financial Aid knows this wonderful month as FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) time!

The FAFSA officially opened October 1, 2023, for the 2023-2024 academic year! What are some of the reasons to apply for the FAFSA early? So glad you asked. Here are the top five reasons to take care of business before the last leaf falls this autumn:

1. The sigh of relief you feel when you hit the FAFSA submission button and know that you have just taken the first step toward applying for financial aid for the 2023-2024 academic year.

2.  Your tax data you need to complete the FAFSA is already available, since the 2023-2024 FAFSA is based upon the 2021 tax year data.

3. You will be set to receive an award letter as early as possible. This will give you ample time to make your decision about which university is the best fit for you or time to discuss financial strategy with your financial aid office and family if you are a returning student.

4. Outside scholarship applications open as early as October 1 for the 2023-2024 academic year, and many of them require you to have FAFSA data on hand. Make life a bit easier by submitting the FAFSA early so that you can apply for outside scholarships with ease.

5. There isn’t a reason to wait. The FAFSA is free to file, your taxes are filed, and filing early allows you ample time to have all the necessary conversations with your admissions counselor, financial aid representative, and your family.

There you have it! My top five reasons to file the FAFSA as soon as possible!

Now, grab a pumpkin spice latte and a cozy sweater and head on over to StudentAid.gov to begin working on your FAFSA!

If you run into bumps or have concerns, give our FAFSA filing video a watch or reach out to our office with questions. We’re here to serve you whenever and however we can.