Associated Press Published

State Students Getting Head Start on College Aid

Students at Computers

West Virginia students planning to go to college next year will be able to apply sooner this year for financial aid.

The Charleston Gazette-Mail reports students can begin filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid on Oct. 1 this year instead of waiting until Jan. 1. The application is required to determine a student’s eligibility for financial aid.

Also available on Oct. 1 will be applications for three West Virginia scholarships — the Promise Scholarship; the Engineering, Science and Technology Scholarship; and the Underwood-Smith Teacher Scholarship.

The FAFSA application previously became available in January. Higher Education Policy Commission senior director for financial aid Brian Weingart says the agency hopes the additional time allows officials to help more students.