For many students, money is one of the biggest issues and factors that many struggle with during their time in college. With the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been especially difficult for students to obtain money due to loss of jobs or personal reasons. Some have aspirations of attending college elsewhere but can’t due to financial issues, some have to work more than two jobs to help pay for not just college but to help aid with personal expenses.
To help combat this, applying for FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the first step to take which will assist you in paying for college. FAFSA is one of the largest US financial aid providers that provide students about $120 billion annually with numerous funds, grants, and loans. It is one of the important steps for those who are in need of financial assistance! Most importantly, it is FREE!
To do this, you first have to know where to start. You can start applying today, as it opens every October 1st! Applying is as easy as counting your ABCs!
- First you will need several items to complete this form:
- Social Security Number
- Alien Registration Number (if not US citizen)
- Federal Income Tax Returns, W-2, other records of money being earned
- Bank Statement & Record of Investment (if needed)
- Records of Untaxed income (if needed)
- FSA ID to sign in
- From there, you will go on their website: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
- Once you create an account, you can now easily start signing up and filling out the form for Financial aid!
- Once you sign up this year, you also have to do it for the following years you are in college.
Take advantage of this opportunity as it is a great way to earn free money regardless of your income status!
(Josh)
