Students and families now have more time to submit the FAFSA.

Great news for Missouri State students! Missouri State extended the FAFSA priority deadline to May 1, 2024. Originally set for February 1, the deadline shift comes in response to the delayed release of the 2024-25 FAFSA, as well as reported technical glitches that have extended submission time for some FAFSA completers. Following that, the Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development (MDHEWD) chose to extend the state’s deadline.

Now, eligible students who complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by May 1, 2024, will meet Missouri State’s and the state of Missouri’s priority deadlines.

Changes to the 2024-25 FAFSA

The FAFSA typically opens on October 1 each year. The 2024-25 application faced delays due to updates mandated by the FAFSA Simplification Act. Released at the end of December as a soft launch, the system is still new. Users might encounter interruptions, availability issues, and planned pauses for maintenance.

Now, by filing their FAFSA by May 1 otherwise qualified students can ensure their ongoing eligibility for state aid programs (such as the Access Missouri Grant) and Missouri State specific scholarship programs like the Mo State Access Award.

Tips for the FAFSA

• Preview the steps to filling out the FAFSA before starting.
• Identify who your FAFSA contributors are.
• Make sure you and all your contributors have FSA IDs before starting the application.
• Allow extra time to access and complete the application.
• Colleges and universities will not receive your results until later in January.

Resources for learning more about how to submit the FAFSA

Take advantage of this extended deadline and the resources available to ensure a smooth FAFSA process.

• Missouri State’s FAFSA webpage has valuable information about the FAFSA.
• The MDHEWD FAFSA website provides information, as well.
• Missouri State will host a free FAFSA information webinar scheduled for January 11.
• MDHEWD will host FAFSA Frenzy events to assist students and families in preparing for the FAFSA and setting up their FSA ID.
• The Missouri Association of Student Financial Aid Personnel (MASFAP) is hosting a state-wide Week of Action during which FAFSA filers can seek assistance with financial aid professionals from across the state. Zoom drop-in hours will be hosted January 8-11, 5:30-8:30 p.m. CST.

We’re here to help

Have any questions? Need assistance? The Office of Student Financial Aid at Missouri State University is here for you. Reach out, and we’ll guide you through.