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Sooner the better: Families can start applying for free college funding starting Oct. 1

Experts suggest that if someone in your family plans to attend college next year, you might want to fill out the FAFSA application as soon as possible.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid filing season started on Oct. 1 for the 2023-2024 school year, and because many colleges award financial aid on a first-come, first-served basis, it’s crucial to start now.

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According to Forbes, most state financial aid and assistance from schools have earlier deadlines than federal financial aid.

Karen McCarthy, vice president of public policy and federal relations from the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, told The Associated Press that students get started.

“It is a good idea to do it on the earlier side. Whenever (colleges) run out of money, then that’s all the funding they have for the year,” McCarthy told AP.

The enrollment period ends June 30, 2024.

You can apply for FAFSA here.