Instead of waiting until later, college students can now submit their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for next school year as early as Oct. 1. At St. Edward’s University, this allows 2015 income information to cover Summer 2017, Fall 2017 and Spring 2018.

This national, permanent change benefits current and incoming college students. The earlier the FAFSA application is submitted, the sooner award packages can be distributed. Award e-mails could be sent as early as January, which gives continuing students a better idea of all financing options available to them.

Since FAFSA will now ask for older income and tax information, actual tax data should already be on file. The IRS Data Retrieval Tool can automatically import 2015 tax information into the new FAFSA application.

Director of Student Financial Services Jennifer Beck said, “I’m hoping this will be an easier process for continuing students because the accurate data will be retrieved electronically,” as she encourages students to complete their FAFSA as soon as possible.

For students whose financial situation has significantly changed since 2015 and no longer have accurate figures on file, financial advisors at St. Edward’s can help make professional income adjustments.

Student Financial Services will have an e-mail campaign to remind students to complete their FAFSA earlier. There will soon be an outreach to residence halls and scheduled computer lab bookings to assist students on campus. Financial advisors are also available by appointment Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. in Main Building 204.

FAFSA Dates to Know:

Oct. 1: FAFSA application opens for the following school year

Feb. 1: SEU priority deadline for incoming freshmen

March 1: SEU deadline for continuing students and new transfers