PULLMAN, Wash.Washington State University will be among several higher education institutions offering free advice on how to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to aspiring college students in Spokane at “College Goal Sunday.”
The event will take place at 2 p.m. Jan. 27 at Spokane Falls Community College. The event is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is not required but is encouraged in order to secure a time slot. While each family may receive as little or as much assistance as they need, step-by-step instruction for the complete FAFSA document takes approximately three hours.
College Goal Sunday Washington is administered by the Northwest Education Loan Association (NELA). This event, taking place in 15 locations statewide, is sponsored by the Lumina Foundation for Education. School advisors, NELA staff, and financial aid professionals, including WSU staff, are volunteering to assist students and their families to obtain federal financial aid.
“The majority of college students need financial aid to attend college today,” said NELA spokesperson Solynn McCurdy. “The biggest barrier to college is money and knowing where to get the money you need.”
Completing the FAFSA is the first step in obtaining financial help from the government. More than 63 percent of college and university students receive an average of $7,400 a year to help pay for college. Students are encouraged to fill out the FAFSA even if they are uncertain about their college plans.
“Most students and families need assistance in paying for college. The FAFSA is the gateway to financial resources and by completing this important step, students are better prepared regardless where they attend college.” Chio Flores, WSU financial aid staff member and Spokane College Goal Sunday co-lead, said.
Because household financial information is a key part of completing the form, students and parents are encouraged to attend the events together. Besides financial records (recent tax forms and/or pay stubs), students need to bring their social security number and driver’s license (if any). Even if families do not have all of their paperwork together they are still encouraged to attend the event to get the process started.
WSU financial aid volunteers will also attend the Tri-Cities and Vancouver events. For more details about College Goal Sunday Washington, locations or what to bring, visit www.collegegoalsundaywa.org or call 888-758-2253.
