Austin Community College extending FAFSA deadline to May 1

As a way to help students through the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), Austin Community College (ACC) is extending its deadline to May 1.

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- As a way to help students through the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), Austin Community College (ACC) is extending its deadline to May 1.

ACC said in a release students are encouraged to apply early, as FAFSA funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

ACC officials said the school distributes more than $70 million annually.

According to ACC, there are changes to the FAFSA form, which can be viewed below:

• Expanded eligibility offering financial assistance to more students
• The application has been tweaked to be more efficient
• A "more user-friendly form" is now available
• Expanded criteria work to encompass non-English-speaking, incarcerated, foster, homeless and unaccompanied youth populations, with a deadline extension for priority consideration

"Figuring out how to pay for college remains one of the biggest barriers our students face. Many families are eligible for financial support. Our goal is to connect them with the best options to pay for college,” said Belinda Peña, ACC associate director of Financial Aid and Veterans Outreach, in the release.

Furthermore, ACC said undocumented Texas residents can apply for the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA). However, those applicants "must qualify for Texas residency through Senate Bill 1528."

For more information, applicants can visit the financial aid section on ACC's website.