Don't Delay: Submit your FAFSA now!

“Watch your deadlines,” financial advisor Donna Fulton said.

Since Jan. 1, 2016, the 2016-17 FAFSA has opened up to students around the country. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid helps provide grants, loans, and work-study funds for college or career school. With 22 million applications expected to be submitted, the importance of filing early is crucial.

“Never assume anything is correct,” said Fulton, a financial advisor at Linn-Benton Community College. 

Fulton encourages anyone with financial aid questions to come to the financial aid office located in Takena Hall.  There are specific drop-in hours throughout the week.

“Your age, race, or field of study won’t affect your eligibility for federal student aid,” according to the FAFSA website. “While your income is taken in consideration, it does not automatically prevent you from getting federal aid.”

Certain factors that determine your eligibility include obtaining a high school diploma or GED, U.S. citizenship, and maintaining a satisfactory academic progress. An entire list of eligibility requirements can be found on their website. 

“Filing the wrong year,” said Fulton is a common mistake students make. Since the 2015-16 FAFSA does not close until Jun 30, 2016, two applications remain open.

Another common mistake, Fulton has noticed, includes decimal points. Adding decimal points in the income portion of the FAFSA can change $100 into $100,000. Reading the student aid report can help detect any mistakes in your FAFSA. The student aid report can be found after you’ve submitted your FAFSA.   

Applying for the FAFSA can be completed on their website fafsa.gov. Financial advisors discourage using a preparer, a person who charges a fee to fill out your FAFSA, because of the unnecessary cost.  

"That’s why we have the drop-in hours," said Fulton.

"Filling out the FAFSA can be nerve wrecking," said dual enrolled student Elizabeth Hernandez. "My advice would be to ask a teacher or someone you feel connected to, and ask them to help you fill out the FAFSA"

With a variety of deadlines coming up, it's important to add the FAFSA to your list. 

"It's really important for students to communicate with their teacher or counselors to make sure they have the proper tools to be successful" said Hernandez.


AT A GLANCE

• Free Application for Federal Student Aid has opened up.
• Common Mistake include decimal points and filing the wrong year.
• FA advisors are located in Takena Hall. 
• Watch for deadlines!
• Receive loans, grants and works study through FAFSA.