Missouri Western Helps Families Apply for Financial Aid

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 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 9 inside Spratt Hall.

“In 2011-2012, Missouri postsecondary students received $3.5 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 2013 income tax returns will be able to complete their 2014 FAFSA on-site. Those who haven’t completed their tax returns will still learn valuable information to help them finish the FAFSA at home.

Scholarships will be drawn for students attending one of 81 FAFSA Frenzy events throughout Missouri. Winners will receive their scholarships upon receipt of enrollment documentation for the fall 2014 term in a Missouri postsecondary program.

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 11^th year that Missouri has participated in College Goal Sunday, a national effort to help students apply for financial aid. In the past ten years, FAFSA Frenzy has helped nearly 11,000 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 USA Funds. 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.