By Staff
2003 is here and that means one thing for future college students – those who plan to start college next fall should begin working on financial aid now.
Financial advisors at The University of Alabama in Huntsville, Calhoun Community College, Alabama A&M University and other area colleges and universities are offering information to help families find the resources they need to complete the financial aid paperwork.
The most important form is the free application for federal student aide. Beginning today, students will be able to submit the form that determines eligibility for student financial aid from federal programs. Students will need family income statements from the 2002 earnings to complete the form.
Colleges and universities use the FAFSA, but may also require students to fill out additional forms. The FAFSA is available from high school counselors or at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
Here are some additional financial tips:
1. Apply early for admission and financial aid.
2. Check with your college to determine if other financial forms are required.
3. Apply for scholarships and grants.
4. Look into work-study programs.
5. Surf the Web for financial aid information.
Here are some Web sites for additional help:
1. Financial Aid Need Estimator and financial aid information – www.act.org/fane
2. Free college scholarship search – www.collegenet.com
3. The Financial Aid Information Page – www.finaid.org
4. The Federal Government Financial Aid Page – www.ed.gov/finaid.html
5. Free application for Federal Student Aid – www.fafsa.ed.gov
6. Scholarship scams – www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/edcams/scholarship