INDIANA REQUIRES HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS TO COMPLETE THE FREE APPLICATON FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID (FAFSA) OR OPT OUT OF DOING SO, TO GRADUATE.
GRADUATES: FILE YOUR FAFSA BY APRIL 15
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) https://studentaid.gov opens January. Deadline is April 15 for the State of Indiana, although many universities have set a deadline of March 1. Looking for information or need help filing your FAFSA?
Here is what you will need to complete the FAFSA:
- FSA ID–Every student AND parent should apply for a FSA ID at https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id. This will serve as your electronic signature on the FAFSA.
- PERSONAL DOCUMENTS–SSN, DLN, alien registration # or permanent residence card if not a US citizen.
- PROOF OF INCOME–w-2 forms, untaxed income (workers compensation, child support, housing, food, and other living allowances, veterans benefits, etc.)
- TAX DOCUMENTS–Federal Income Tax Return (1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ)
- ASSETS–Bank statements, business and investment information
Financial Aid Events
What is College Goal Sunday? It is an event held across Indiana that provides FREE FAFSA filing assistance to Hoosier families. Financial aid professionals from Indiana colleges and universities help students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). All students in Indiana, but especially students seeking federal and state grants, loans and scholarships, MUST complete the form. The FAFSA is the most important financial aid form and MUST be received by the federal processor on or before April 15 for Indiana residents to be eligible for state aid. Need help completing the FAFSA? There is a College Goal Sunday in February from 2pm-4pm. Go to: https://www.collegegoalsunday.org/ for exact dates each year. See announcements/emails/Google Classroom for further details. If you still need help filing the FAFSA, please visit https://www.investedindiana.org/ or email wwozniak@investedindiana.org and put “CGS” in the subject line, email outreach@investedindiana.org, or call 317.715.9007. They will be happy to find a volunteer who can work with you to complete the form.
COLLEGE GOAL SUNDAY WILL BE AT IVY TECH, 8204 HWY 311, SELLERSBURG – PFAU HALL, EXPRESS ENROLLMENT CENTER ON TBD FROM 2-4 PM.
The best way to stay connected with College Goal Sunday Indiana is to check the website, and follow on X (@CGS_Indiana) and like on Facebook (Facebook.com/IndianaCollegeGoalSunday)!
Here is what you need to know regarding the steps to the financial aid process:
- Start Planning Early-Develop your game plan to pay for college
- Fill Out the FAFSA Form-Apply for federal student aid
- Review Your Aid Offer-Compare the aid each school is offering
- Get Your Aid-Aid goes to your student account first
- Repay Your Loan-Find an affordable repayment plan
Learn More Indiana
Learn More Indiana’s Cash for College campaign equips students and families with the practical steps they need to save for college, navigate the financial aid process and complete college with minimal debt. Go to: www.LearnMoreIndiana.org.
Other Financial Resources
- FinAid!: FinAid has earned a stellar reputation in the educational community as the best web site of its kind. It’s comprehensive, it’s informative, it’s objective-and it’s the first stop on the web for students looking for ways to finance their education with student financial aid information on the web. Free scholarship search, financial aid calculators, glossary, and bibliography. Go to: www.finaid.org.
- Student Guide to Financial Aid: Updated yearly from the U.S. Department of Education. Go to: https://studentaid.gov/resources.
- College Board: Pay for College Offers financial aid services advice, articles, and links for students and parents. Go to: www.collegeboard.com/pay.
- SallieMae: Loan guarantor and servicer. Go to: www.salliemae.com.
- United Student Aid Group: Loan guarantor and servicer. Go to: www.educationvalue.org/.