Current and future Austin Community College students can submit the 2017-18 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) beginning October 1 instead of waiting until January 1.

The new schedule gives students more time to apply for aid before the April 1 deadline for priority consideration.

“The new FAFSA schedule benefits students in a few ways,” says Terry Bazan, executive director of student assistance and veterans affairs. “Not only do they have more time to prepare their application, they may receive their award notification sooner, which makes it easier to budget for college expenses and explore other sources of aid.”

Students must complete the FAFSA to apply for federal student aid, including Pell grants, federal student loans, and work-study opportunities.

Unlike previous years, the FAFSA is based on previously reported income and tax information, so applicants don’t have to wait until they know their income for the current year, or make estimates that later may need to be adjusted. For the 2017-18 form, applicants will submit 2015 income and tax information.

“Students will be able to submit more accurate information, which may result in more accurate awards,” Bazan says. An online IRS Data Retrieval Tool is available to help students compile their information.

Bazan says students may find that using past income information makes the form easier to complete. Those needing assistance can meet with an ACC financial aid specialist at FAFSA Frenzy events offered at various campuses in October and November.

Fall FAFSA Frenzy schedule

Access the FAFSA at www.fafsa.gov.

Find more information and helpful tips on ACC’s Obtain Financial Aid webpage.

Tags: fafsa, Fafsa frenzy, federal work study, financial aid, pell, Pell grants, student loan