Students could benefit from filling out the FAFSA early

(KSNF/KODE) — People can now start applying for federal aid for next school year.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, also known as FAFSA is now available.

The Department of Education delayed the rollout until earlier this month after issues caused by the updated form last year.

Anyone hoping to receive any kind of federal or state financial aid for the 2025 - 2026 school year needs to fill it out.

Experts suggest filling it out as soon as you can, especially if you plan to go to school in Missouri.

"You may be eligible for a program called Access Missouri. Access Missouri is kind of like the Missouri version of the Pell Grant. This is money the State of Missouri will give you to go to college. The priority deadline for that program is February third, so it's less than two months away,” said MOCAN Director of Affordability, Kaitlyn Venta.

Those who submit their FAFSA before the priority deadline are more likely to receive funding from Access Missouri, compared to those who wait.

The FAFSA deadline isn't until the end of June 2026, but many schools and states have earlier deadlines for students attending in the fall of 2025.

You can access the form, HERE.