College can be affordable. Students may qualify for thousands of dollars for a college or technical education without realizing it. Most families overestimate the cost of college and underestimate how much financial aid helps.
The first step toward receiving financial aid is filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form, or FAFSA. Parents and students will get free, expert help completing the FAFSA form on College Goal Sunday, February 11, from 2-4 p.m, at locations around the state.
"We can help prospective college students and their parents by answering a few quick questions or reviewing a completed FAFSA form," said Jo Ann Litton, assistant director of financial aid at Grand Valley State University. "This is the fourth year for the event and each year I am reminded of its importance when I see the look of satisfaction on a student or parent's face when the FAFSA is completed."
The FAFSA form is the primary document for determining most loans, grants and other aid nationwide. Litton said students should fill out the form even if they are unsure about college because a decision can be made later about whether to accept the aid. Students can earn prizes and scholarships just for showing up:
The scholarships will be given out based on a drawing of completed surveys turned in.
College Goal Sunday is February 11 from 2-4 p.m. Parents or students
should bring a completed 2006 IRS 1040 tax return if possible and
W-2 records. The event is held at these local sites:
- Grand Valley State University-Pew Grand Rapids Campus
- Davenport University in Holland
- Muskegon Community College in Muskegon
College Goal Sunday is sponsored by the Michigan Student Financial Aid Association and Partnership for Learning. Visit www.MICollegeGoal.org for more information.
