In the last 10 years the price of college has increased around 25%. As a result, both expenses and the demand for financial aid for education has increased. You’ve may have been told to complete the FAFSA as the time for college is getting close. Yet, some may not know what exactly FAFSA is. FAFSA (free application for federal student aid) is an application that students fill out when they are attending college are in need of financial aid.

The first thing you need to start the application process is a federal student aid ID, (which you can get at https//studentaid.gov). You can do this before FAFSA is available. You will additionally need your most recent federal income tax return, your current bank statement, drivers’ license, and social security number. You then need your parents’ income tax return if you are a dependent. And last, you will need to figure out where you plan to go to college.

When asked what the most important thing to be aware of regarding FAFSA and financial aid was, Karen Gill, the college and career counselor explains, “The reason we push for FAFSA so much it’s the first line of defense for college. We encourage every senior at this point to apply even if they think they don’t qualify for it, everyone qualifies for something.”

Registration for new students for the fall 2023 term begins March 20th, 2023. You must submit your FAFSA by July 14th, 2023, for financial aid priority. Payment deadline is August 11th, 2023, so please make sure your financial aid is authorized so you are not dropped for non-payment.  If you do not submit your FAFSA by the deadline, your financial aid may be delayed, and you may be required to pay for your class out of pocket. Once financial aid is approved, your expensive would be refunded.

There are different types of financial aid. Pell Grant is a reward based on financial need. With Pell Grant’s, along with scholarships, you do not need to repay this money at any point, unless your credit hours are adjusted. You can also take out loans, which are sums of money in which you borrow and pay back on a monthly basis after you graduate. Then there are scholarships that are monetary awards similar to grants. Unlike grants however, scholarships are not decided on financial need. Scholarships are given to students with strong academic records, volunteer records, athletic ability, and career goals which name a few. It’s free money. Classes begin August 21st, 2023, for the fall 2023 term. You are able to add or drop a class, until August 28th, 2023. Classes end December 10th, 2023., for the fall term, and grades are viewable December 12th, 2023.

If you need the important dates all in one place, (valenciacollege.edu) is an easy place to find all the major deadlines and dates.