Indiana Extends FAFSA Filing Deadline, Encourages Students to File ASAP

The state is hosting virtual and in-person FAFSA events to help Hoosiers fill out the financial aid form.

INDIANAPOLIS - The Indiana Commission for Higher Education has extended the filing deadline for the 2022-2023 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to April 18. The state’s original deadline of April 15 is a state holiday and state offices will be closed. Financial aid funding will only be available on a first-come, first-served basis following the April 18 extension. Students and families should submit the form at FAFSA.gov as soon as possible to ensure maximum financial aid consideration.

Students need to complete the federal form to be eligible for most financial aid. State financial aid programs such as the 21st Century Scholarship and the Workforce Ready Grant require students to have a current FAFSA on file in order to maintain their scholarship and grant funding.

The number of Hoosiers filing a FAFSA has steadily declined over the past several years. The overall FAFSA filing rate as of March 18 is down 15.2 percent from the same date in 2021. For the state’s high school class of 2022, the number of FAFSA filings is down nearly 3 percent. Each year, Hoosiers who don’t file the FAFSA miss out on millions in federal financial aid, including $65 million for the class of 2021.

“Filing the FAFSA remains the number one way for students to take advantage of the available federal, state and even some merit-based scholarships,” said Indiana Commissioner for Higher Education Teresa Lubbers. “The Commission and our college and community partners will be available in the weeks leading up to the April 18 deadline, helping students and families file the FAFSA and access financial aid.”

The Commission, in partnership with INvestEd, is hosting two upcoming Facebook Live events to inform Hoosier families about the FAFSA and answer frequently asked questions live.

WHAT:      Indiana FAFSA Facebook Live Events

WHO:       Indiana Commission for Higher Education Outreach staff and INvestEd team members

WHEN:     Saturday, April 2, 2022

                 12-1 p.m. (ET)

                 Wednesday, April 13, 2022

                 6:30-7:30 p.m. (ET)

WHERE:  Online: Learn More Indiana Facebook (facebook.com/LearnMoreIN)

Additionally, the Commission, in partnership with Ivy Tech Community College, will be hosting an in-person FAFSA filing event on the college’s Indianapolis campus. Along with helping students file the FAFSA, Commission staff will be available to assist 21st Century Scholars with Scholar Success Program questions and activity completions. Enrollment and financial aid staff from Ivy Tech will also be present.

WHAT:       Indiana FAFSA Filing Event

WHO:        Indiana Commission for Higher Education Outreach staff and Ivy Tech staff

WHEN:     Saturday, April 9, 2022

                  9 a.m.-1 p.m. (ET)

WHERE:    Ivy Tech Community College, 50 West Fall Creek Parkway, North Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46208

The Commission’s eight outreach members will be hosting additional FAFSA events around the state. A calendar of events is available at www.learnmoreindiana.org. The Commission’s outreach members are available by phone and email. A full list of counties and associated phone numbers can be found here. Reach INvestEd any time at (317) 715-9007 for free assistance with the FAFSA.