JEFFERSON CITY – The Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development (MDHEWD) has extended the final deadline for the Access Missouri Grant to June 1 due to federal filing technology issues leading to lower-than-expected Missouri filing rates for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). MDHEWD previously announced the priority deadline was extended from Feb. 1 to April 1 due to the delayed federal release of the 2024-25 FAFSA. The Access Missouri Grant provided over $72 million to more than 35,000 students during the 2022-23 academic year. “This need-based grant provides essential financial aid — not loans — and provides opportunities for students to attend the school of their choice,” said Dr. Bennett Boggs, Commissioner of MDHEWD. “With the FAFSA filing being delayed this year, an extension of the final deadline is needed to help make sure those who need financial aid the most have the chance to receive it.” Students who file a FAFSA by the April 1 priority deadline and are eligible for the Access Missouri Grant are guaranteed to receive an award. Eligible students who complete the FAFSA after the priority deadline but before the June 1 final deadline may receive an Access Missouri award, subject to available funding and based on the FAFSA completion date. Individuals who file by the final deadline will have until July 31 to make any needed FAFSA corrections. Information about Access Missouri eligibility and award amounts are available on the MDHEWD website. Students can also visit journeytocollege.mo.gov/fafsa-info for frequently asked questions, a FAFSA checklist, steps to creating an FSA ID, and helpful blogs. More information about other Missouri grants and scholarships, federal grants, and grants and scholarships offered by schools is available at dhewd.mo.gov/ppc/grants/. MDHEWD staff is also available to answer questions about Missouri financial aid programs at 800-474-6757, option 4. | 