Changes to Free Application for Federal Student Aid

Photo by Quay DeVoll

ZANESVILLE,Ohio- There are some new changes this year when it comes to filing for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid also known as FAFSA.

You can now file for financial aid earlier. FAFSA has now moved the opening date of the financial aid application to October 1st. It’s a few months earlier than the previous January 1st date.

“You’re using two years prior tax information now,” Ohio University Zanesville, Financial Aid Coordinator, Vicki Delucas. “They don’t have to worry about having their taxes completed, having everything done right after January 1st. For the 2017/2018 year, they’re using 2015 taxes.”

On Wednesday, the Ohio Association of Financial Aid Administrators will host a counselor workshop at OUZ.

“It is a very informational session on the changes to the free application for federal student aid. It is a significant change, this session is going to help high school guidance counselors and other people guide seniors on the right direction on how to get started early,” Delucas said.

Delucas said the session will run from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., walk ins are also welcome. For more information, regarding the changes visit student.edu.gov/sa/about/announcements/fafsa-changes.