The search for money to pay for college next fall starts now! Too soon? Think again!

Starting the financial aid process early means you’ll be better prepared for the next academic year. That’s why East Tennessee State University’s Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships is hosting the annual Tri-Cities Financial Aid Night on Tuesday, October 14 from 5-8 p.m. in the ballroom located on the third floor of the D.P. Culp Student Center.

Current and prospective college students and their families are invited to attend and receive in-person support with submitting their 2026-2027 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Attendees are encouraged to create a Federal Student Aid account and username (FSA ID) before the event.

The 2026-2027 FAFSA will use 2024 tax information for determining the Student Aid Index (SAI). Financial Aid and TRiO's EOC counselors will be on hand to help families navigate the process one on one. You can learn more about federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs as well as the ETSU General University Scholarship Application, which also opens on October 1.