The FASFA Application for 2020-2021 School Year is Now Available

Posted on October 4, 2019
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI

All college-bound individuals, regardless of age and income level, are encouraged to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is now open for the 2020-2021 school year.

With more than $350 million in state financial aid available, as well as billions of dollars in federal aid, the Indiana Commission for Higher Education reminds Hoosiers it’s more important than ever to file the FAFSA by April 15, 2020.

Officials note that in addition to determining eligibility for state and federal financial aid, many colleges require a completed FAFSA to award merit and need-based scholarships.

Filing the FAFSA is also critical for Indiana’s 21st Century Scholars, who are required to file on time in order to earn the state scholarship that pays for up to four years of college tuition.

Students can either file the document online at FAFSA.gov or they can utilize the myStudentAid app.

The app was designed to make the process easier for the nearly 19 million students who file the FAFSA each year. Officials note that it also benefits students who do not have access to a computer or high-speed internet at home.

The first step for students who have not filed the FAFSA in the past is to create a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID.

Once that is in place, each student will need their social security number, or “alien registration number” for non-U.S. citizens, federal income tax returns, W-2s and other records of money earned.

If individuals can, they should also have bank statements and records of investments as well as records of untaxed income on hand for the process.

The U.S. Department of Education provides email and live chat assistance for FAFSA filers as well as a helpline at 800-4FED-AID.

Hoosier families can also find FAFSA help through INvestEd Indiana at www.investedindiana.org.

For questions about state financial aid, students can contact the Indiana Commission for Higher Education by phone at 888-528-4719 or via email at awards@che.in.gov.

FAFSA Deadline Approaches, Knox High School to Host Workshop

Posted on April 4, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI

Hoosiers planning to attend college or trade school this fall have just a few more days to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It needs to be filed by Sunday, April 15 in order to qualify for both state and federal grants, scholarships, and loans. The form can be found online at www.fafsa.gov.

Students and parents who need help filling it out can attend a FAFSA workshop at Knox High School. It will be held Monday, April 9 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. A representative from Ancilla College will answer questions and guide families through the financial aid process. Those planning to attend are asked to bring a laptop.

If you have any questions about the workshop, call the Knox High School Guidance Office at 574-772-1675.

11/5/2017 FAFSA Workshops Planned for November, As Part of College Goal Sunday

Posted on October 19, 2017
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI

Those planning on attending college next fall can get an early start on the financial aid process. On Sunday, November 5, students and their parents can get some free help filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. As part of College Goal Sunday, volunteers around Indiana will be holding FAFSA workshops.

By filling out the free application, students may be eligible for state and federal grants, scholarships, and loans at most colleges and universities. To qualify for state aid, the form needs to be filed by April 15. However, event organizers say many people are worried that the process is complicated and time consuming.

During the free College Goal Sunday workshops, volunteers will be available to guide students and their parents through the process. Locally, FAFSA workshops will be held at Plymouth High School, Purdue University Northwest in Westville, and Ivy Tech Community College in Valparaiso. Families are asked to bring their completed 2016 tax returns and other income and benefits information. Students and parents are also encouraged to create U.S. Department of Education FSA IDs online before going.

All workshops start at 2:00 p.m. local time on Sunday, November 5. More College Goal Sunday events are planned for February. For more information about College Goal Sunday or for a complete list of locations, visit CollegeGoalSunday.org.

Knox High School to Host Financial Aid Night

Posted on September 28, 2017
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI

Help will be available to senior students, parents or guardians in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in a special financial aid informational night.

Kelly Manning from Ancilla College will explain the financial aid process and give information on the FAFSA form which will be available on Oct. 1. Manning will field questions after the presentation. Time will be available to begin work on the FAFSA form online.

If you own a computer, bring it with you so you can access the FAFSA form online and follow along.

This presentation is not limited to Knox residents. The forum is open to all students, parents and community members.

The financial aid night is set for Wednesday, Oct. 4 at 6 p.m. in the Knox High School Cafeteria.