The process of applying for financial aid can be stressful for many students, but Missouri Southern’s Financial Aid Office hopes to make it easier with the upcoming FAFSA Fiesta. The event will take place on Tuesday, Oct 07, beginning at 9 AM in the BSC Lounge. Staff will provide personalized support to help students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
The FAFSA determines eligibility for loans, grants, and work-study opportunities. Karen Holt, administrative assistant in the Financial Aid Office, emphasized the importance of filing early.
“It’s important for everyone to fill it out because a lot of people will qualify for aid, even when they don’t think they will,” Holt said.
Students attending the event must bring their 2024 tax documents along with their FSA IDs. Staff members will be available throughout the day to guide students step by step, answer questions, and ensure that applications are submitted correctly. “The staff will all be there so we can assist to make sure everything is filled out correctly and get it done early, so you can meet all the priority deadlines,” Holt explained.
Common mistakes students make, according to Holt, often come from misunderstanding questions. “I think the most common mistakes are just answering questions without fully understanding what the question is asking, which can affect how much aid you’re getting,” she said. Events like FAFSA Fiesta give students the opportunity to avoid such errors by having experts available right away.
For first-generation students or those completing the FAFSA for the first time, the event offers extra reassurance. “The first time you’re filling it out can be confusing and difficult to understand some of the questions,” Holt said. “Just to know that we’re there to support you makes a difference.”
In addition to professional assistance, the event will include snacks, drinks, and prize drawings. The goal is to create an atmosphere that simplifies the process while inspiring more students to take the first step toward financial aid.
