The Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development is launching the Finish Your FAFSA campaign by hosting some last-minute FAFSA Frenzy events.

The campaign aims to increase overall FAFSA filing in Missouri, bring awareness to common FAFSA errors, and remind students of upcoming financial aid deadlines. Free assistance to complete the FAFSA is available at FAFSA Frenzy events throughout Missouri, including seven scheduled this month at local Missouri Job Centers.

Several common errors can prevent the application from being processed correctly, leaving students without the financial aid they may need to enroll next fall. Many students mistype their Social Security number, birth date, or even forget to sign the application before submitting it. Students are encouraged to review their Student Aid Report to check for mistakes that may need correcting.

The priority deadline for the Access Missouri Grant – the state’s largest student financial aid program – is quickly approaching. Students must complete the FAFSA by Tuesday, Feb. 1, to be guaranteed a grant award if they meet all eligibility requirements.

In addition to events hosted by schools and partner organizations, MDHEWD will host the following winter FAFSA Frenzy events just ahead of the Feb. 1 Access Missouri Grant priority deadline.

Students completing the FAFSA after Feb. 1 but before the April 1 final deadline could still receive a grant if funding is available. However, early submission of the FAFSA is encouraged because funds are limited.

More than 41,000 Missouri students received funding through the program during the 2020-21 academic year.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story