and rapidly! Just because the “official” federal FAFSA deadline for next school year isn’t until next June doesn’t mean you can wait. Why? Because every school and various state aid organizations have their own deadlines, most of which are either Feb. 28 or March 1. Here in Oregon, the OSAC private scholarship deadline is March 1. Oregon State’s Priority deadline is Feb. 28; University of Oregon’s is March 1.
Waiting until the last minute could cost you, though. Why? Because many of us who work get paid on the last day of the month, and the FAFSA assesses your account balances as of the day you file. Having a $2000 paycheck deposited immediately before you file will increase your EFC by a little over $100.
For a list of all state deadlines, click here.