Here you will find helpful information related to the financial aid application process. Check back often for updates!

FAFSA FRENZY EVENTS

Virtual FAFSA Frenzy events are still available! The priority deadline for the Access Missouri Grant Program – the state’s largest student financial aid program – is quickly approaching. Students must complete the FAFSA by Wednesday, 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 https://studentaid.gov/. Financial aid professionals, high school counselors, and other volunteers provide free assistance during FAFSA Frenzy events. Public events – held at high schools, college campuses, and community facilities – are open to all high school seniors, current college students, and adults interested in attending college.

The Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD) will host the following virtual FAFSA Frenzy events just ahead of the Feb. 1 Access Missouri Grant priority deadline.

January 24 – 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Register here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUoc-Ctqz8jHdOgbyvMq5oIdLMcpPfoDpcD
January 26 – 5 p.m.-7 p.m.
Register here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIqdOyrrDkjGNwNS7jKzEhFDOZbtxOYbPtB
January 31 – 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Register here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMqdOGgrTkqGdKCGJD7yZaevBwlq09DJfQ1
January 31 – 5 p.m.-7 p.m.
Register here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIvcu2srTsuGtY3bFgcJfWklrBuha-xuFZA

Missouri students attending a FAFSA Frenzy event can apply online for one of 20 $500 Journey to College Scholarships through Scholarship Central at https://myscholarshipcentral.org/. Important instructions for completing the application can be found at https://journeytocollege.mo.gov/pay/file-a-fafsa/fafsa-frenzy/. When attending an event, FAFSA Frenzy participants should bring:
• 2021 W-2 forms
• Copies of their 2021 tax forms
• Social Security number
• Student and parent FSA IDs (Students and parents should apply for separate usernames and passwords at https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch before attending a FAFSA Frenzy event.)

UNDERSTANDING FINANCIAL AID AWARD LETTERS 

A Breakdown of the Student Aid Report (SAR)

Interactive Cost Comparison Worksheet

CLICK HERE 

FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid opens on October 1, 2022 and is required by nearly every higher education institution. Be sure you are completing the application for the 2023-2024 school year. https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

Use this guide to determine whose financial information you will need to complete the FAFSA: Who Is My Parent?

FAFSA4caster 

The FAFSA4caster is an excellent tool to help you understand your options for paying for college. All you do is provide some basic information and the online program will estimate your eligibility for federal student aid including grants, loans, and work-study. FAFSA4caster is for anyone who is not yet ready to file a FAFSA. You do not have to be a high school senior to use FAFSA4caster; the tool is recommended for juniors and even as early as middle school. Click here to check it out.

CSS Profile

Some colleges and universities require the CSS Profile in addition to the FAFSA. Check out this list to see which institutions are participating for the 2022-2023 school year: https://profile.collegeboard.org/profile/ppi/participatingInstitutions.aspx

Check out this informative article about Financial Aid: FAFSA & CSS Profile - A Straightforward Guide to Understanding Financial Aid 

College Covered Financial Aid Resources 

• FAFSA 101: Your Financial Aid FAQs Answered 

• 9 Key Things to Know About Applying for Federal Student Aid 

The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis Financial Aid Resources

• Free Financial Aid Workshops & FAFSA Completion Support:  FREE Financial Aid Workshops to help students and families navigate the financial aid process.  FAFSA completion support is offered one-on-one, by appointment.
• Financial Aid Workbook
• FAFSA Guide
• Creating an FSA ID: How to create an FSA ID

SoFi presents: FAFSA for First-Timers

If you were unable to attend the live event, you can view the recording HERE

And be sure to check out the following resources: 

• SoFi's FAFSA Guide: Here to make the application process easier with FAQs, resources, educational materials, and more.
• SoFi NEW Student Hub: It's a free resource for students with tons of helpful tips and tools for balancing school life and your finances. Find articles on everything from sharing expenses with roommates and saving money on food, budgeting, finding student discounts and more!

MyinTuition

MyinTuition is an online tool that ensures that students and their families have quick and easy access to the information they need to make decisions about college affordability. MyinTuition shows the projected cost of college once financial aid is factored in, helping students understand and plan for what college will actually cost. https://myintuition.org/

The Source 

The Missouri Department of Higher Education has published The Missouri Source - a guide to help families understand and navigate the financial aid process. https://dhewd.mo.gov/documents/TheMoSource.pdf

SLU Financial Aid 101

Watch a recording of the Financial Aid 101 presentation.

View the Financial Aid 101 Presentation Slides

Presentation Slides from Financial Aid Information Night with Washington University  Financial Aid 101

Financial Aid Information specific to Harvard 

Check out this informational video on Financial Aid at Harvard: Click Here

9 Tools for Your Financial Aid Toolkit: A Guide for Parents