Complete the FAFSA

Once you have applied to the university, you will need to apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is required in order for you to be considered for assistance through grants, Federal Work Study, need-based scholarships, and student loans. It is important that you complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as early as possible. The FAFSA can be a little confusing for many students. MT One Stop and our Outreach Coordinator will work specifically with students who have previously lived in foster care to make sure they have their FAFSA applications completed properly.

While the FAFSA is typically available on October 1 each year, it will be delayed for 2024-2025 due to the FAFSA Simplification process. Be looking for it in December at fafsa.gov.

The FAFSA income information is based on prior-prior year income, which eliminates the need to estimate tax information.

On the FAFSA, enter the MTSU school code of 003510 so that we get the results.

Beginning with the 2024-2025 FAFSA, you must use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) to import your IRS tax information into the FAFSA. Doing so will also reduce the chance that MTSU will be required to verify the accuracy of your information.

The FAFSA filing priority date is March 1st to be considered for maximum financial aid assistance. However, you should complete the FAFSA as soon as it is available.

In addition to working with our office regarding financial aid, be sure to work closely with your independent living specialist. Those who have participated in foster care and are now entering college are eligible for additional funding through the Chafee Foster Care Independence Program and the Educational Training Voucher, among others. Your independent living specialist will assist you to be certain you obtain all funds for which you are eligible.