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A Parents Guide to FAFSA

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Published: January 01, 2025

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Your student has been accepted to SEMO, congratulations! As you begin preparing for this exciting next step, you may be wondering about financial aid. One of the most important things you can do right now is ensure your student files the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

What is the FAFSA, and Why Does It Matter?

The FAFSA is a federal application that reviews tax information to determine how much financial aid your student is eligible for, including grants, work-study opportunities, and federal student loans.

Once submitted, both you and SEMO will receive a financial aid package outlining how much aid your student qualifies for, as well as what you may be expected to contribute out of pocket (formerly known as the EFC, now called the Student Aid Index, or SAI).

How Do We File the FAFSA?

Good news—it’s all online! You and your student can file the FAFSA from any computer, tablet, or smartphone. Here’s how:

  1. Create an FSA ID – Both you and your student will need to create an FSA ID at studentaid.gov to sign documents electronically.
  2. Provide Tax Information – The FAFSA automatically pulls in tax details from two years prior using the IRS Direct Data Exchange, making the process easier than ever.
  3. Submit & Review – Once completed, submit the application and watch for follow-up communications about financial aid offers and next steps.
What Else Should Parents Know?
  • File Early – Some aid is first-come, first-served, so don’t wait!
  • Stay Updated – Check emails from SEMO and the Department of Education for any required follow-ups.
  • Ask for Help – SEMO’s Student Financial Services is here to guide you through the process. Contact them at (573) 651-2253 or sfs@semo.edu for assistance.

We can’t wait to see your student soar at SEMO!

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