U.S. high school graduates left more than $2.9 billion in free federal grant money on the table in 2013-2014 according to an analysis by NerdWallet. Their mistake? Not completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

“Money continues to be left unclaimed year after year simply because not enough students are applying for federal aid,” said Melissa Pizzo, Arizona State University’s assistant vice president for Enrollment Services.

As of Sunday, October 1, the FAFSA is now available for the 2018-2019 school year.

When it comes to financial aid, Arizona State University is dedicated to helping students find as much funding as possible. ASU students received more than $633M in gift aid in the 2015-2016 academic year, which consists of federal, institutional and/or private funds, as a result of submitting a FAFSA.

"Every student's financial situation is unique, but there's one piece of advice that applies to all — submitting a FAFSA is critical to ensuring your financial wellness. More than 80 percent of all ASU students receive some form of financial assistance every year, which emphasizes the impact a FAFSA has in funding a student's education,” said Pizzo.

Current and new students who plan on attending ASU in fall 2018 are encouraged to file a FAFSA today.

Last year, the state of Arizona had the third highest jump in FAFSA submissions of those participating in the FAFSA Completion Challenge. The recent annual report from The Institute for College Access and Success identified average rates of student loans debt across the nation, and Arizona was listed among the five states with the lowest loan debt. 

Unlike past years, this is the second year where students do not have to wait to file taxes to complete the FAFSA. Students can use last year’s tax returns (FY 2016) to complete the FAFSA for the incoming school year.

Students will need to provide information about themselves and their financial situation. Having the following information or documents on-hand will help.

• Social Security number
• Federal tax information or tax returns
• Records of untaxed income
• Cash, banking balances, investments and assets
• FSA ID (yours plus a parent’s if you plan to use their tax information)
• ASU Federal School Code: 001081

In addition to federal student aid options, ASU offers Arizona residents financial aid based on information provided on the FAFSA. Learn more about ASU’s financial aid programs by visiting https://students.asu.edu/financialaid/types/special. 

About ASU
Arizona State University has developed a new model for the American Research University, creating an institution that is committed to access, excellence and impact. ASU measures itself by those it includes, not by those it excludes. As the prototype for a New American University, ASU pursues research that contributes to the public good, and ASU assumes major responsibility for the economic, social and cultural vitality of the communities that surround it.

###