With the 2019-20 FAFSA online application deadline coming on June 30, the time to apply is now.
The FAFSA opens on Oct. 1 every year, and it is important to apply as soon after opening day as possible.
“Doing so not only alleviates stress, but some funds operate on a first come, first served basis,” said OJ Early, communications coordinator for the office of financial aid. “Filing your FAFSA on or soon after Oct. 1 could potentially mean more funding opportunities.”
While the online application deadline isn’t until June, students receiving Tennessee Promise or state grants need to apply by Feb. 1.
Students can apply for the FAFSA in various ways: online, on apps or via mail. The most common way being through the online application available on fafsa.gov, which requires the student create a profile or use an already existing one.
Students on-the-go can apply through the myStudentAid mobile app, available on the App Store or Google Play.
If students want to fill the FAFSA out by hand, they can either print out or request a copy of the 2019-2020 FAFSA pdf by calling 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243), 334-523-2691 or 1-800-730-8913 for the deaf or hard of hearing. Students must mail the form to the Federal Student Aid, or FSA, for processing.
The office of financial aid offers many resources to students who need help filing their FAFSA.
Students can ask a personal financial aid counselor any questions they need answered, and on the Office of Financial Aid’s homepage, www.etsu.edu/aid, students can find a Chatbot named Bucky and Financial Aid TV to help with questions about FAFSA.
Also, students can contact TRIO at 423-439-5396 for FAFSA-related assistance.
“Submitting an accurate FAFSA is one of the most important steps college students can take,” said Catherine Morgan, director of financial aid. “Financial Aid staff are dedicated to helping you complete this process and secure federal financial aid to offset educational costs.”
