FAFSA Frenzy Helps Families Apply for Financial Aid Feb. 28

Financial aid professionals from Missouri Western State University will offer free assistance to families filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, during a “FAFSA Frenzy” event from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 28 inside Remington Hall.

“In 2013-2014, Missouri college students received $3.8 billion in financial aid from the federal government and other sources,” said Marilyn Baker, Missouri Western director of financial aid. “The first step in accessing that aid is filling out the FAFSA, and we are happy to be able to help.”

Families who bring their completed 2015 income tax returns will be able to complete their 2016 FAFSA on-site. Those who haven’t completed their tax returns will still learn valuable information to help them finish the FAFSA at home.

Students attending one of nearly 100 FAFSA Frenzy events across the state can enter for a chance to win a scholarship for the 2016 fall term at a Missouri college, university or other postsecondary education institution.

The FAFSA deadline for Missouri is April 1. However, the priority deadline for Missouri Western is March 1, so Baker encourages students to apply early.

For additional information about Missouri Western’s FAFSA Frenzy event, call the Office of Financial Aid at 816-271-4361.

This is the 13th year that Missouri has participated in College Goal Sunday, a national effort to help students apply for financial aid. Since 2004, FAFSA Frenzy has helped more than 16,000 Missouri students complete the FAFSA.

FAFSA Frenzy, a program of College Goal Sunday, is offered in Missouri through partnerships between the Missouri Department of Higher Education, the Missouri Association of Student Financial Aid Personnel, the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority, and the National College Access Network. For more information, including a complete list of events through the state, visit www.dhe.mo.gov.

Missouri Western State University is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community service, and state-of-the-art technology. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit www.missouriwestern.edu.