SIU’s financial aid office is “strongly” recommending that students file their 2016-17 Free Application for Federal Student Aid as soon as possible.

The office advised students of this via email Friday following an Illinois Student Assistance Commission announcement that it will likely suspend 2016-17 Monetary Award Program grants “early in the processing cycle” because of the state’s budget stalemate. The sooner students file their FAFSA, the more money they are likely to receive from the government. 

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The commission will not notify students of the MAP suspension date for the upcoming academic year, something it did last year to let student file their FAFSA, according to financial aid’s email.

Students can apply for financial aid for the upcoming fall and spring semesters here. 

The Daily Egyptian’s campus desk can be reached at 618-536-3325.