Northwest Missouri State University is one of more than 183 schools and organizations hosting FAFSA Frenzy activities in 75 Missouri counties this fall to assist future and current college students who are seeking assistance with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

The Northwest event will be 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20, in the B.D. Owens Library on the University campus. Personnel from Northwest’s financial aid office will be on hand to answer questions and assist students and families with completing the FAFSA online.

Filing a FAFSA is often the first step students must take to apply for financial aid for college. It is the primary form used by federal, state and institutional financial assistance programs in determining an individual’s eligibility for grants, loans, work-study and scholarships.

For students applying for enrollment at Northwest, the FAFSA removes other barriers students and their families may encounter when they are required to complete additional applications and helps determine a student’s eligibility for financial assistance and scholarship opportunities such as the American Dream Grant, which covers 100 percent of tuition and fees for eligible students.

“The FAFSA Frenzy allows current and future students and their families the opportunity to ask questions or verify with a financial aid professional what is being reported on their FAFSA application,” Rachel Roush, a financial assistance counselor at Northwest, said. “Being able to have that one-on-one time is beneficial for people who may find the process a little stressful or confusing. We try to keep this event as relaxed as possible to alleviate any of those feelings.”

Students may receive assistance at any of the FAFSA Frenzy events throughout the state, no matter where they live, attend school or plan to attend college. The events are open to all students, including high school seniors, current college students and non-traditional students.

The 2020-21 FAFSA is available, starting Tuesday, Oct. 1. Students who attend FAFSA Frenzy will receive:

• Free professional assistance completing the 2020-21 FAFSA.
• Free information regarding federal student aid programs and Missouri state aid programs.
• A chance to win a scholarship for enrollment in a Missouri postsecondary program in the fall of 2020.

After submitting a FAFSA, a college cost comparison worksheet is available to help students compare college costs and financial aid awards to help make a decision.

To complete the 2020-21 FAFSA, students should bring:

• Student and parent FSA ID
• A list of schools to which the student has applied, been accepted, or is interested in attending.
• Student and parent 2018 W-2 forms or tax return copies. Parental information is required for most undergraduate students under the age of 24.

FAFSA Frenzy is sponsored annually by the Missouri Department of Higher Education, in partnership with the Missouri Association of Student Financial Aid Personnel, the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority and the National College Access Network.

For information about the Northwest event contact the Office of Scholarships and Financial Assistance by calling 660.562.1363 or by email at finaid@nwmissouri.edu. For more information about the FAFSA and a listing of other financial aid events throughout the state, visit https://dhewd.mo.gov/ppc/fafsafrenzy.php.