Applying for college financial aid is not complex and can be extremely beneficial.
That’s the message of College Goal Sunday, a free, financial aid application assistance program, scheduled at 2 p.m., Feb. 22 at Purdue University Calumet—Student Union & Library, Room 200. Other College Goal Sunday programs also are offered state-wide.
College Goal Sunday programs are intended for parents and 2015-16 academic year, college-bound students who want to be considered for federal and state-provided financial assistance.
FAFSA required to be considered for financial aid
During the Purdue Calumet program, university financial aid specialists and service organizational specialists will help prospective college students and their parents complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To be considered for most scholarships, federal and state grants, loans and other financial awards, a completed FAFSA must be filed and received by the federal processor by March 10.
“Most colleges, universities and vocational/technical schools require students seeking financial aid to complete the FAFSA,” Purdue Calumet Director of Student Financial Services Sharon Sweeney said. “During College Goal Sunday, college-bound students, including 21st Century Scholars, and their parents will receive expert assistance correctly completing the FAFSA.”
Online FAFSA worksheets provided
Online FAFSA worksheets will be provided during College Goal Sunday. To file online, a U.S. Department of Education Personal Identification Number (PIN) is required. The PIN serves as an electronic signature. Students and parents are encouraged to apply for their PIN at www.pin.ed.gov prior to attending College Goal Sunday.
Students 23 or younger should attend College Goal Sunday with a parent(s) or guardian(s) and bring their family’s completed 2014 IRS 1040 tax return or a draft, W-2 statement(s), and other 2014 income and benefits-related information. Students who worked during 2014 also should bring their income information.
Students 24 or older may attend alone and bring their own completed 2014 IRS 1040 tax return/draft, W-2 statement(s), and any other 2014 income and benefits-related information.
Any student who attends College Goal Sunday and submits a completed evaluation form will be entered in a drawing for a scholarship.
Other information contacts
For more information, individuals may visit the College Goal Sunday web site at www.collegegoalsunday.org, or phone the toll free help line: 800/992-2076.
Financial aid information also can be obtained at Purdue Calumet by visiting the university’s financial aid web site at http://webs.purduecal.edu/ofasa/; e-mailing the Office of Student Financial Services finaid2@purduecal.edu; or phoning the office at 219/989-2301.
College Goal Sunday is a charitable collaboration of the Indiana Student Financial Aid Association and the Indiana Commission for Higher Education. College Goal Sunday is funded by Lilly Endowment Inc., USA Funds and Indiana Secondary Market for Education Loans, Inc.