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Clock Ticking on Financial Aid

College-bound students can submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid beginning January 1, 2003. This is the first step in applying for federal and state financial aid for college.  The federal government’s deadline for the form is not until June 30. But states and colleges set their own deadlines, usually much earlier, many as early as Feb. 1. The form is used to determine eligibility for aid and to determine the family’s financial obligation.


If you don’t have the form yet, FAFSA applications are available at high schools from counselors, from the U.S. Department of Education at 1-800-433-3243 and online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov.  Most counselors and the federal government recommend filling out the form online because it is quicker and easier to correct mistakes. 

 
In 2002, the federal government provided nearly $50 billion in grants and loans to over 8 million students.  For more information, visit:
Department of Education
Free Application for Federal Student Aid
Financial aid help site with FAQ and scholarship search