Time is running out for students to apply for the FAFSA

Stock photo of FAFSA

A group of public universities in Tennessee is urging students to apply for the 2024-2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before the May 15 deadline to secure thousands of dollars in financial aid.

FAFSA enables students to receive federal grants, work-study funds, and loans, and colleges use FAFSA information to determine eligibility for state and school-based aid. According to the FAFSA website, the application process is estimated to take less than an hour.

“We don’t want our student applicants passing up significant financial benefits,” said Dr. Michael Licari, president of Austin Peay State University. “We see such great potential within the young adults of Tennessee, and failure to submit their FAFSA before the deadline should not be the hurdle that prevents them from achieving their educational dreams.”

Completing the FAFSA gives students access to scholarships such as the Tennessee HOPE Scholarship, the Tennessee Promise Scholarship, Tennessee Reconnect, the Tennessee Student Assistance Award, and scholarships specific to certain universities.

This year’s FAFSA has introduced new changes, including expanded eligibility for federal student aid and a streamlined user experience. However, these updates caused delays, resulting in the application portal opening later than usual.

The Four the Future initiative, led by the presidents of ten public Tennessee universities, is promoting the value of a four-year degree and offering resources to help students complete their FAFSA applications.

“Some may be the first in their family to attend college and may need help navigating the form,” said Dr. Sidney McPhee, president of Middle Tennessee State University. “To assist anyone who needs help, our schools have compiled a single destination of resources for Tennessee college applicants that will empower our applicants to quickly complete their FAFSA.”