The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an essential part of post secondary financial planning. The FAFSA is utilized by Universities, Colleges, Technical Schools, Community Colleges, scholarship foundations and other institutions to dispense need-based financial aid. Completion of the FAFSA will give students eligibility to accept Federal Pell Grants, Missouri Access Grants, Federal Perkins Loans, Federal Stafford loans and other financial aid.  A post-secondary education student will update and submit this form annually. Senior students are strongly encouraged to prepare to fill this document out. starting in early January. Submission entries can begin as soon as parents receive their W-2 tax forms.  Please research and read up on the FAFSA website at www.fafsa.ed.gov for questions and concerns.  Please also be aware of websites with similar names that will try to receive payment for help in completion and submission of your FAFSA. The only website that should be used is the website listed in this section and on the corresponding link below this page.