FAFSA definition and important dates | Pacer Graphic / Mekenzie Coleman
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an application used to apply and determine eligibility for federal student aid, which includes federal grants, work-study funds and loans. Many institutions also use this information to establish state and school aid.
On December 27, 2020, the FAFSA Simplification Act was passed as a part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act. Due to these acts, the form went under changes from the previous years and was fully released after implementing a soft launch period to monitor and update the website.
The new features to take note of while filling out the form are: the 2024-2025 FAFSA determines your financial aid eligibility for the fall 2024, spring 2025 and summer 2025 terms, new terminology has been added to the FAFSA, and eligibility for aid will be expanded.
To learn more and understand the improved form, the university’s student government association and the office of financial aid have partnered together to help students get the form completed in a timely manner.
In an effort to make students aware of this, John Abel, the assistant vice chancellor sent out an email stating, “Big changes are coming to the FAFSA. SGA and the Office of Financial Aid are teaming up to make sure you are ahead of these changes.”
The first program to be held is the FAFSA Flight Kick-Off on Thursday, February first in UC Room 111 from 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. Students can stop in anytime to hear from Financial Aid staff concerning the changes coming in the FAFSA process. SGA will provide refreshments and all students that come will be entered to win a $50 Visa Gift Card.
The next programs are the FAFSA Flight Student Workshops in UC Room 111 on February 7 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., February 15 from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., and February 19 from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. It is recommended to bring a device in order to complete your FAFSA with the help of a Financial Aid professional. Additionally, SGA will provide food at each workshop and students that complete their FAFSA at one of the workshops will be entered to win an Apple iPad. However, if you cannot make it to these events, you can call the financial aid office for assistance. Additionally, important dates and deadlines to be aware of to apply for financial aid are listed below.
FAFSA:
The FAFSA form must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Central time (CT) on June 30, 2025. Any corrections or updates must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CT on Sept. 14, 2025.
State Grants/Tennessee Promise:
State Grant prior-year recipients must apply by April 15, 2024.
All other awards are made to the neediest applicants. Awards are made until all funds are depleted. For the Tennessee Promise, submit your application by midnight CT on April 15, 2024.
State Lottery:
For the fall term, submit your application by midnight CT on Sept. 1, 2024.
For the spring and summer terms, submit your application by midnight CT on Feb. 1, 2025.
All Other Aid:
Check with the financial aid office at either (731) 881-4677, financialaid@utm.edu, or visit in person on campus at 224 Clement Hall.
