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For anyone wanting help with the FAFSA, the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships will be hosting the annual Tri-Cities Financial Aid Night Oct. 5 from 5-8 p.m. on the third floor of the D.P. Culp Student Center in the ballroom.

This ETSU event is for any student, current or incoming, who will be filling out the FAFSA and would like free assistance. The event provides this support and encourages students to complete the FAFSA as soon as possible, according to Kayla Carter, assistant director of communications for the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.

“[The FAFSA] is really the first step in making sure that you can secure all the financial aid you’re eligible for,” Carter said.

The 2027-2028 FAFSA will use 2025 tax information. The form can now automatically pull this tax information, although students are encouraged to bring it anyway in case of technical issues. Students should also create a FAFSA account through studentaid.gov beforehand. Although parents may be added as contributors, it is recommended that students create the account and then add contributors later on.

“There are a lot of different family situations to consider,” Carter said. “That’s why it’s good to sit down with somebody to ask those questions and get some advice on who is the best contributor or parent to have on their FAFSA.”

The 2027-2028 FAFSA opened on Sept. 23, marking the earliest opening date in history for the second consecutive year. It will remain open until the end of June 2028; however, Carter warns against waiting that long. By the end of June, students will have likely missed most opportunities for aid. State deadlines also typically fall months earlier than the federal deadline.

“We do encourage our own current students to come out and just take the time to go ahead and get it done,” Carter said.

The Tri-Cities Financial Aid Night will have computers available for attendees, as well as faculty and staff from different departments across campus to speak with. There will also be giveaways throughout the night, including a gift basket of assorted merch and Sodexo gift certificates.

“Every student’s financial aid situation is very unique,” Carter said. “I think it’s really important that students speak with somebody about what their options are, no matter where they are in the process for that year, because we can guide them to the right resources.”

Students can also schedule an appointment with their financial aid advisor at any time to receive FAFSA guidance.

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