Students looking to get financial help with college expenses can begin the process earlier.
The Department of Education has moved up the submission date for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, to Oct. 1; it used to be Jan. 1.
Completing the FAFSA is usually the first step every incoming and returning college student must do to be considered for federal financial aid.
The October submission date allows students to use last year’s tax information instead of estimating their taxes or delaying the application until after tax returns are filed. Students of any age are eligible for federal funds.
Since students can now file in October, there is no reason for not completing the FAFSA early," Sheelu Surender, director of Wichita State University's Office of Financial Aid, said in a news release. "The process is easier, and students may receive results faster."
Financial officials say the earlier the FAFSA is submitted, the earlier students will know what financial aid they can expect, giving them a longer time to evaluate college offers and plan for educational expenses.
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