KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Despite the federal government shutdown, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid is now open for all Tennessee students.

The Tennessee Higher Education Commission announced Wednesday that students and their families can now begin applying at www.fafsa.gov. The U.S. Department of Education made the form available on Sept. 24, marking the earliest launch in the program's history.

According to the Associated Press, FAFSA will continue to be processed by the U.S. Department of Education during the government shutdown.

Completing the FAFSA is the first step to accessing financial programs like the Tennessee Promise scholarship, the HOPE scholarship, and the Pell Grant. Families should have financial documents such as tax returns and W-2 forms on hand when filli

See Full Page