Every Bear, Every Year is encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (also known as the FAFSA). The FAFSA is the primary form used by federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs in determining your eligibility for grants, loans, work-study, and scholarships. Some institutional and donor aid opportunities that consider financial need will also use your FAFSA details to verify eligibility. See below for tips, resources, and important deadlines to help you with the 2027-2028 FAFSA.
The 2027-2028 FAFSA is now available. At Missouri State University, we recommend that you complete your FAFSA (and include Mo State’s federal student code 002503) by our priority deadline of December 1, 2026. This will help you maximize your eligibility for grants and scholarships. The deadline to be considered for Missouri State institutional aid is February 1, 2027 – so don’t delay!
FAFSA Frenzy
FAFSA Frenzy helps thousands of Missouri students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid every year. This year on Wednesday, October 7, the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD) will host a FAFSA Frenzy in Springfield! This event is open to all high school seniors, current college students, and adults interested in continuing their education and training.
- Date: Wednesday, October 7, 2026
- Time: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Location: 1146 E Cherry St, Springfield, MO 65807, USA
Can’t make it? Need one-on-one support? Email journeytocollege@dhewd.mo.gov.
Not in Springfield? Check out the FAFSA Frenzy Event Calendar to find an event near you.
Resources for the FAFSA
- See FAQs from the Mo State Office of Financial Aid
- Guide to Filling Out the FAFSA Form
- Video Guides to Filling Out the FAFSA Form (YouTube)
- Maintaining basic eligibilty criteria for federal student aid
- FYI, recently implemented changes to financial aid
More Aid Opportunities
Whether you’re returning to higher education or attending for the first time, we know that paying for school can cause some stress. See below for more opportunities to help you reach your goal!
The Office of Financial Aid website shares information on grants, loans, scholarships, workstudy and more.
In November, the MSU Foundation Annual Scholarship application will become available for the 2027-2028 aid year. This one application will apply you towards nearly 1,000 donor-scholarship opportunities. It’s definitely worth taking the time to complete the application. It’s due on March 1, 2027.
Adult Student Services also provides a list of opportunities specific to adult/nontraditional students.