St. Joseph, Mo. —Financial aid professionals from Missouri Western State University will offer free assistance to families filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, during a “FAFSA Frenzy” event from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday inside Remington Hall.

“In 2013-2014, Missouri college students received $3.8 billion in financial aid from the federal government and other sources,” said Marilyn Baker, Missouri Western director of financial aid. “The first step in accessing that aid is filling out the FAFSA, and we are happy to be able to help.”

Families who bring their completed 2015 income tax returns will be able to complete their 2016 FAFSA on-site. Those who haven’t completed their tax returns will still learn valuable information to help them finish the FAFSA at home.

Students attending one of nearly 100 FAFSA Frenzy events across the state can enter for a chance to win a scholarship for the 2016 fall term at a Missouri college, university or other postsecondary education institution.

The FAFSA deadline for Missouri is April 1. However, the priority deadline for Missouri Western is March 1, so Baker encourages students to apply early.

This is the 13th year that Missouri has participated in College Goal Sunday, a national effort to help students apply for financial aid. Since 2004, FAFSA Frenzy has helped more than 16,000 Missouri students complete the FAFSA.