Have no fear, FASFA tips are here

By: Caitlyn Humphrey and Cailey Barham

Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is an important part of many high school seniors’ year. It provides students with affordable loans and grants for their college career. Since many people are unable to afford the full price of college, this program offers help to those in need. “Filling out the FAFSA can take anywhere from 21 minutes to 55 minutes, which is not too long for free money,” said the International Business Times. “And don’t say that your family’s too wealthy or your grades are too low,” they added.

Prowler editors met with Dr. Suzanne Schlager, former higher-education administrator and current guidance counselor, to discuss the intricacies about financial aid.

She provided these tips:

1. Families should use estimated income information and make adjustments later.

2. Students should fill out the form when applying for colleges. This year, the FAFSA can’t be filed until January 1, so families should file the FAFSA as soon as possible.

3. Students should apply right on the website, www.FAFSA.ed.gov, for federal state aid. Some websites may charge for the FAFSA, but one shouldn’t have to pay for money that is supposed to be free.

4. Parents should make sure that their children are involved in the process from the beginning. Often colleges will not talk to the parents unless the students give permission.

5. Students and parents should refer questions to the financial aid officers at the college the student applied to.

Suggestions from Federal Student Aid (FAFSA):

1. There are four different types of financial aid: grants and scholarships, loans, work-study jobs, and tax benefits. They also provide information on how to avoid online scams.

2. The basic eligibility criteria include demonstrating financial need, being a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen, having a valid social security number (with some exceptions), being enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program and more.

3. Those with criminal convictions or intellectual disabilities may be eligible.

4. They have repayment plans that start six months after you graduate from college. Eight different plans are provided, each with different requirements.

5. A loan servicer will help you manage the repayment of your federal student loans.

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