The FAFSA Application Process has Begun
Thursday was not only the first day of October, it also marked the beginning of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA application process for the 2021-2022 academic year.
Current Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) students and soon to be students are encouraged to complete their FAFSA application with all urgency beginning Thursday, as this federal aid is awarded on a first come, first served basis. The FAFSA is used to determine eligibility for all federal financial aid, as well as most other forms of state and institution financial aid.
“It is imperative that we get the word out to all of our students seeking financial aid to apply as soon as possible, as the FAFSA application is often the first step for many financial aid programs including Nevada’s Silver State Opportunity Grant and the Nevada Promise Scholarship,” said NSHE Chancellor Melody Rose.
To complete the 2021-2022 FAFSA students will need to visit FAFSA.gov and click to begin the electronic application, either as a new user or a returning user. Students can also complete the FAFSA through the myStudentAid app, which they can download via Google Play or the Apple store. To create an account, students will have to set up a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID and answer security questions.
Students are encouraged to complete their FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1, 2020, as federal and state financial aid programs often award students on a first come, first served basis. For Nevada financial aid programs:
- Silver State Opportunity Grant: Students should apply as soon as possible after Oct. 1, 2020 as awards are made until funds are depleted.
- Nevada Promise Scholarship: The deadline is March 1, 2021. Awards are made until funds are depleted.
- All other aid: Check with your financial aid administrator. Additional forms may be required.
Priority FAFSA deadlines are early for NSHE’s seven degree-granting institutions schools and students should always try to meet priority deadlines to maximize financial aid opportunities. NSHE’s priority FAFSA deadlines are as follows:
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV): November 1, 2020.
- Nevada State College: January 15, 2021.
- University of Nevada, Reno: February 1, 2021.
- Truckee Meadows Community College: Mid-February 2021.
- The College of Southern Nevada: No later than February 2021.
- Great Basin College: No later than February 2021.
- Western Nevada College: No later than February 2021.
Filling out the FAFSA can be confusing and students are encouraged to seek help from an NSHE institution financial aid counselor. Students can also find a guide for filling out the FAFSA, from the federal student aid website: https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out.
