(INDIANAPOLIS) - Indiana high school seniors are being urged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid before the April 15 deadline, with fewer than half having submitted the form so far.
State education officials say only about 45 percent of seniors had completed the FAFSA as of early April, leaving many students at risk of missing out on major financial aid programs.
The FAFSA is required for students to be considered for both federal and state aid, including Indiana's 21st Century Scholarship and the Frank O'Bannon Grant.
Officials say the April 15 filing date is especially important because it serves as Indiana's priority deadline for key state aid programs, and financial assistance beyond that point may be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Education leaders are encouraging families to finish the form as soon as possible to avoid losing access to grant, scholarship and loan opportunities for the coming school year.
The deadline comes as state higher education leaders also continue broader reviews of degree programs and student outcomes, part of what officials describe as a larger push to connect students with both financial support and strong post-graduation value. Here's a link to the FAFSA website.