STARKVILLE, Miss.—Mississippi State’s Department of Student Financial Aid is planning a new event called “FAFSA Days” to inform students of financial aid options for the upcoming school year and provide help for those filling out applications.
Scheduled for Feb. 26-27 and March 4-5, the 10 a.m.–2 p.m. event in Colvard Student Union’s Dawg House will include computers for students completing the 2019-20 FAFSA online. FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid and is required for students applying for federal aid, such as grants, work-study and loans.
MSU financial aid staff will be on hand to answer questions about FAFSA and other financial aid issues during the event. Snacks also will be provided.
“We want to encourage students to complete their FAFSA as soon as possible so their requirements are met and their aid can be processed in a timely manner,” said MSU Financial Aid Counselor Sarah Grace Broom. “Completing the FAFSA early will help ensure there will not be a delay in the disbursement of financial aid funds in the fall.”
MSU Director of Financial Aid Paul McKinney said his office gives students a guarantee that their financial aid will be in place at the start of the fall semester if they complete the FAFSA and any supporting documentation by the April 1 priority deadline.
“We are proactive every year trying to help students to complete the FAFSA as early as possible. Some grants are on a first-come, first-served basis, so those who complete paperwork earliest have the best shot for the most aid,” McKinney said. He explained that having financial aid staff available for FAFSA Days events should help students feel more confident and clarify any questions they have so they can complete this important task without delay.
For more on student financial aid, visit https://www.sfa.msstate.edu/.
MSU is Mississippi’s leading university, available online at www.msstate.edu.