Confused about financial aid for college? Help is on the way!
As of October 1, students planning to attend college may complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2020-2021 school year. The completed FAFSA is submitted to the US Department of Education for processing; once processed, the Department of Education provides the data to schools designated by the student so that those schools can assemble financial aid packages for the student. The financial aid offered to the student may be in the form of loans, grants, or work-study opportunities.
The Department of Education recommends that the FAFSA be completed as soon as possible, as many colleges and universities determine financial aid packages on a first come first served basis.
To that end, Mid-Ohio Education Service Center, which services 16 school districts in Richland County and beyond, has scheduled a Financial Aid Night on October 28 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The night is open to all families of client school districts. High school seniors and their parents are asked to bring a device (such as a smart phone or tablet) in order facilitate a walkthrough of the FAFSA, which is completed electronically either online or through an app.
The night will also include discussion of local college scholarship opportunities that seniors should be aware of; the Richland County Foundation, which administers certain local scholarships, will be joining this discussion.
Students from grades 6-11 are invited with their parents to a separate discussion being held concurrently, which will detail the College Credit Plus (CCP) program. This program will allow students to take college classes next school year for free.
Anyone needing more information may email Ann Pfister at [email protected].
