FAFSA deadline set for May 15

NASHVILLE — As part of the Four the Future initiative, a collaborative effort among 10 public universities in Tennessee aimed at promoting the value of a four-year degree, college applicants are urged to complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to secure thousands of dollars in state and university scholarships and aid.

East Tennessee university leaders encourage applicants to take advantage of Tennessee’s May 15 deadline extension for FAFSA completion, ensuring their eligibility for state scholarships.

“Tennessee students can often qualify for thousands of dollars of financial aid for college – but only if they complete the FAFSA,” said Dr. Brian Noland, East Tennessee State University president. “By failing to complete this critical form, aspiring ETSU college students could be leaving thousands of dollars on the table. They risk missing out on valuable scholarships and grants that can open new doors for their futures.”

The FAFSA form determines how much aid college students are eligible to receive in grants, scholarships and loans, and must be completed by any student wishing to receive financial assistance. According to the FAFSA website, the process takes less than an hour to complete once personal information has been gathered.

For Tennessee university-bound students, completing the FAFSA opens doors to various scholarships, including the Tennessee HOPE scholarship, the Tennessee Promise scholarship, Tennessee Reconnect, the Tennessee Student Assistance award and more, including university-specific scholarships.

“While submitting federal forms requires some work, long term it could impact college applicants’ ability to achieve their educational dreams,” said Randy Boyd, UT System president. “This application isn’t just a formality; it’s the crucial step toward securing the financial aid many need to achieve their dreams of higher education. Through the abundance of resources and guidance available, we are confident applicants can overcome any hurdles and submit their FAFSA before the deadline.”

For more information about the FAFSA, scholarship opportunities among Tennessee’s public universities and additional resources available to applicants, please visit www.fourthefuturetn.com/fafsa.