FAFSA applications open October 1st

SALISBURY, Md.- This year’s free application for Federal Student Aid is opening soon. Officials shared why students should apply for FAFSA early.

At Salisbury University, Interim Financial Aid Director Michael Elliott said, “it’s the federal application that students and their parent contributors complete to determine eligibility for certain financial aid programs.”

WorWic, Financial Aid Director, Katie Abreu said that applying is one of the most important things you can do as a student trying to save money.

“A lot of people think they might not be eligible for any aid because maybe they earn too much money. But really, that application unlocks the door to any federal state and institutional aid at many colleges.”

There is a real plus to applying early. “completing the FAFSA early is important because a lot of times first aid, that money can run out and so early applicants can get that aid first.” said Abreu.

Elliott is reminding students they must apply every year for FAFSA, it is NOT a one time application. “If there’s any potential errors or mistakes that can be corrected early and get those resolved also helps to get the information to determine your student aid index early so that you can get your financial aid offer early in the spring.”

New this year, FAFSA has made some changes that officials hope will make the process easier.

Abreu said, “this year they really improved on the process by which students invite their parents to contribute their information to the FAFSA. And it used to be that they had to provide a lot of information about their parents, and now they just need an email address.”