Fafsa facts and tips

Most financial aid is first come, first served. Don’t miss out on available money because you wait too long! File the Fafsa even if you don’t think you’ll qualify for federal aid. It’s used by most schools in determining institutional aid and scholarships.

Fafsa starts Oct. 1. Now you can file three months earlier! The online application is available at www.fafsa.gov. Students and families who file online will receive their student aid report and expected family contribution within a week.

Apply for Vermont state grant at the same time! The Vermont state grant is now available Oct. 1, too. That means once you finish the Fafsa, it’s just a few more questions to apply for this exceptional need-based grant. Every year, VSAC gives out $19 million in grants to over 13,000 students in full-time, part-time and nondegree study.

2015 tax return is used. In the past, families often had to “guestimate” their income for the year just ended. Now, the Fafsa uses the tax return that’s already filed. Better still, with a click of the button, it’s all downloaded from the IRS. Simple and fast – most people finish within 30 minutes!

Get your FSA ID first. You’ll save time and make it easier to file the Fafsa if you create your user ID and password first at www.fafsa.gov.

List your school choices. Even though you haven’t decided on where you’ll go to school, you should list all the ones you’re considering. The schools don’t see your list, but VSAC will use the list in determining a Vermont State Grant.

Fall for Fafsa events, Oct. 17-21

• Monday through Friday: VSAC and campuses around the state will host free, walk-in, community assistance during business hours to families if they have questions on the Fafsa. Participating Colleges: Champlain College, Community College of Vermont, Saint Michael’s College, School for International Training, Sterling College, University of Vermont and Vermont State University.

• Oct. 18-20, from 5 to 8 p.m. VSAC is hosting evening call-in hours for parents and students, with VSAC counselors to answer questions. The toll-free number to call is: 800-642-3177.

October Fafsa Scholarship: For every Vermonter who completes the Fafsa by October 31, there’s an opportunity to win a special October Fafsa scholarship if the student attends one of these Vermont schools: Champlain College, Community College of Vermont, Saint Michael’s College, Sterling College, University of Vermont and Vermont State University.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, October 5th, 2016 at 11:05 am and is filed under News & Views, Recommended Reading, VSAC News Releases. Both comments and pings are currently closed.