Southeast Missouri State University is hosting a Virtual FAFSA event on Thursday, Dec. 21 from 6 – 7 p.m. to update students on changes in the FAFSA process. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the form students must complete to get financial aid from the federal government.
For the 2024-25 year, the FAFSA is undergoing a redesign to make it easier and faster to complete. The FAFSA is opening to students later this year than previous years with the Department of Education announcing the application would be open by Dec. 31.
SEMO Director of Student Financial Services Dr. Matthew Kearney will present information about the new FAFSA on Zoom during the virtual event. SEMO Admission Counselor Mia O’Brien will also be a part of the presentation.
“FAFSA can be complicated, and there are changes happening this year,” Kearney said. “Our hope is to explain what we know right now and ease some of the stress for students and families surrounding the FAFSA changes.”
Kearney will cover the following topics:
- What is FAFSA Simplification
- Why is FAFSA Simplification happening
- Major changes from previous years
- Creating an FSA ID (with and without a Social Security Number)
- Dependent FAFSA submission steps
“With the changes to the FAFSA, SEMO wants to provide as much information and resources as possible,” said Kearney. “Families regularly struggle with thinking they will not qualify for additional resources when filing the FAFSA. However, the FAFSA can open the door to other options including on campus employment. We want to work with students to make their education as affordable as possible.”
To attend the event, register at the Virtual FAFSA Update page. You will receive login information after registration. Questions can be directed to the Office of Admissions at admissions@semo.edu.