Thursday, April 16, 2009

FAFSA & Financing Your Future

Eligibility for federal and state student funding is determined by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. Students may receive state and federal grants, work study, and reduced interest loans.

The fastest and easiest way to file is online at www.fafsa.ed.gov

The first time you enter the FAFSA site, you will open an account to be used throughout your undergraduate years. You will apply for a Personal Identification Number, or PIN, to update your account. Keep your PIN in a safe, private place. Some sites on the internet mimic the FAFSA site, and will levy a fee to the filer. Do not pay a fee. FAFSA is, as its name implies, free.

Have your 2008 federal tax return at your side as you prepare your application for the 2009-2010 school year. FAFSA asks the applicant to enter the information from his or her most recently completed federal tax return on the secure site. The process can usually be done in one half hour. The 2009-2010 school year includes fall semester of 2009, and spring and summer sessions of 2010. If you filed as a dependent, you will need your parents’ federal tax form. The financial aid offices of EICCD can help you as needed.

Do not procrastinate. FAFSA applications may take a month or longer to process. Complete your FAFSA at the time you file taxes. If you have not already done so, COMPLETE YOUR FAFSA NOW.

Countless scholarships also exist to help finance your college education. Many publications are devoted to listing scholarships. The old maxim remains true, if a person wants to go to college, funding is available.