New changes to how students can apply for federal financial aid mean students can start filling out their Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, now.

The Oct. 1 start date is three months earlier than in previous years. Students will now be able to use prior-year tax information instead of waiting to file next year’s taxes.

“These changes not only let students and their families start the process sooner, they also provide them with a better understand of what the actual costs will be to attend colleges they may be considering,” said Commissioner Larry Pogemiller, Minnesota Office of Higher Education. “We encourage every student to fill out the FAFSA, whether they believe they are eligible for financial aid, or not.”

For more information, go to www.nasfaa.org/uploads/sites/14/documents/2017_18_fafsa_updates_students_parents.pdf. If you have questions, contact Ginny Dodds at the Office of Higher Education at 651-355-0610, or Sandy Connolly at 651-259-3902.