Federal Student Aid’s new mobile app for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, myStudentAid, has simplified and streamlined the FAFSA application process for OSU Institute of Technology students. 

In October 2018, FSA launched a mobile app to complete and submit the FAFSA, virtually anywhere, beginning for the 2019-2020 FAFSA cycle. Students and parents are both able to electronically sign and submit the application from their cellular device.

“The app aims to speed up the financial aid process,” said Chi Dungee, assistant director of financial aid & scholarships. “The convenience of the FAFSA mobile app encourages student and families to complete FAFSA’s in a more timely fashion.”

The 2019-2020 FAFSA became available via the mobile app October 1, 2018, and closes June 2020. The earlier the FAFSA’s are submitted, the sooner the financial aid office is able to package the student aid and begin the verification process for the selected students.

“We have already had several students submit their FAFSA’s via the mobile app,” said Dungee.

Zoee Lovett, an OSUIT student submitted her FAFSA through the mobile app this year. “It was super easy to use and it took a lot less time through the app then on the actual website. After I used the app I called my best friend who has also had problems with filling it out online and told him how easy it was to use.”

In addition to the convenience factor of the mobile app, the number of questions has been reduced and a skip logic technology has been implemented so only questions that are relevant to the submitter are displayed.

FSA also launched a mobile-friendly version of their website for those who prefer to use their internet browser on their phone, versus the app. 

“Getting the application on mobile devices will boost FAFSA filing numbers,” said Dungee. “Some families may not have access to a PC or laptop, but someone or everyone in the family has access to a smartphone.”

Internet access was the deciding factor for Lovett, “I chose to use the mobile app because the house my mom lives in does not have internet so we were never able to be near a computer at the same time,” said Lovett. “I am excited to use the app again.”

The myStudentAid Mobile App is available for download in the Apple App Store(IOS) or Google Play(Android). For more information on the mobile app or mobile-friendly version of the FAFSA, please visit the myStudentAid website or reach out to the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships.