MEMPHIS, Tenn. — New Year’s Day does not have to be all about rest and relaxation.
High school seniors, including those pursuing the Tennessee Promise, and college students can now complete their FAFSA.
FAFSA is the nationwide college financial aid form.
It stands for “Free Application for Federal Student Aid.”
The window to start working on it opened at midnight.
“I’ve already created my log-in ID. All I have to do is go home and get that done, so I can get my finances for college,” said high school senior Calvin Gentry.
Gentry said he plans to go to a four-year school and play rugby, but he has also applied for the Tennessee Promise, a state-run program that allows students to attend two years of community or technical college for free, covering costs other grants or scholarships do not.
To be eligible for that, high school seniors have to fill out their FAFSA.
That is a key reason why Tennessee leads the nation in FAFSA completion.
“I’m on top of it. I’m trying to go to college,” Gentry said.
Friday might be the best day for Tennessee high school seniors and college students to fill out the FAFSA.
Some statewide grants are first-come, first-serve.
“Getting to kids to college, that’s pretty meaningful in itself,” said high school senior Victor Brooks
“You know, college is college. You know you want to get an education behind your name,” Gentry said.
Online FAFSA applications are due by June 30, but high school seniors pursuing the Tennessee Promise need to complete theirs by February 15.
Students may learn more about the FAFSA here.
