It is time for high school seniors across the nation to begin completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, also called the FAFSA.
Changes in recent years are that the FAFSA is now open for submissions beginning October 1 and students do not have to wait until the next calendar year or on their family’s tax returns to complete the application. In fact, the earlier a senior submits their application the better. Some student aid programs have limited money and provide funds on a first-come, first-served basis, so it is important to submit the FAFSA as soon as possible.
At Knox Central and Lynn Camp high schools, financial aid advisors and college coaches have been working with students after school and during school to get a head start on the application process. Seniors who have not yet met with an advisor are encouraged to begin the process now and write down any questions that they have and bring them to school.
Not sure if you will attend college or a technical school next fall? Don’t let financial aid pass you by. Even those who are unsure about next year, or even if they will qualify for financial aid, should submit the FAFSA.
What does the FAFSA do? The information on the FAFSA determines if students qualify for federal grants and student loans. It is also required to apply for state grants and scholarships. In addition, many colleges use the information to award their own grants and scholarships.
To complete the FAFSA visit https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa. Remember, some states and schools have limited funds, so apply early!
After you complete the FAFSA visit the KHEAA website to begin planning for the future.
KHEAA is the state agency that administers Kentucky’s student financial aid programs, including the Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES). Create your account on the KHEAA website to check the amount of KEES funds you will be receiving and learn more about applying for scholarships and to colleges. The KHEAA website includes information on choosing the right college, what to expect, how to pay, and the college life in general.