FAFSA, financial aid,
October 3, 2022
Along with charting their academic and career paths, students also need to manage financial matters related to their education. One of the best things they can do is file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, also known as the FAFSA. By filling out this form, students can become eligible for federal aid, including grants, loans and work-study programs.
“The U.S. Department of Education, the State of Michigan, and Oakland University uses FAFSA to determine students’ eligibility for grants and loans,” Carrie Gilchrist, senior financial aid outreach adviser, explained. “Every student should submit one each year so they don’t miss out on any opportunities to fund their education.”
The application is made available each year on October 1 to apply for aid for the next school year. Students are encouraged to file it as soon as possible to increase their opportunities for receiving aid. Students (and parents when applicable) who file taxes are encouraged to complete the FAFSA using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) embedded in the form.
Current OU undergraduate and graduate students who need help renewing their FAFSA can call Student Financial Services to speak with an advisor or register for a virtual FAFSA Group Workshop. OUWB medical students who need help renewing their FAFSA can visit OUWB Financial Services.
The deadline to file a FAFSA for the 2023-2024 year is June 30, 2024. In addition, students who have not yet filed a FAFSA for the 2022-2023 year have until June 30, 2023 to do so.
Filing a FAFSA so far in advance of the school year in which they will use the financial aid increases students’ chances of receiving federal aid offered on a first-come, first served basis. And, it allows them to tackle financial concerns ahead of time so they can remain focused on completing their degree.
“The sooner students file the FAFSA, the better,” said Gilchrist. “Not only does this increase their potential to receive aid, it also allows them to address any unsatisfied requirements well in advance of the upcoming academic year.”
For more information about the FAFSA, visit oakland.edu/fafsa or contact OU Student Financial Services at (248) 370-2550 or [email protected].
Also of note, Oakland University offers more than 300 annual endowed scholarships that are available for consideration through filling out this application between Oct. 1 through March 1.