Governor Scott signs proclamation: October is FAFSA Filing Month

WINOOSKI (September 29, 2017) — Governor Phil Scott has declared October as FAFSA Filing Month in a proclamation signed Friday.

The FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, unlocks the financial resources available to cover the costs of education and training after high school. FAFSA filing season opens Oct. 1 for the 2018-19 academic year.

“We know that many jobs today and in the future will require education and training beyond high school,” Governor Scott said. “Applying for financial aid is the first step in qualifying for funding to pay for college and career training programs.”

For high school seniors, college students and parents, it pays to file early. It’s online and, for most people, usually can be completed in under an hour.

“Figuring out financial aid is one of the biggest pieces of the education puzzle for students and families,” said Scott Giles, president and CEO of Vermont Student Assistance Corp.  “Too many students make decisions about their educations without knowing what aid that they are eligible for. From the Pell grant and Vermont state grant to VSAC scholarships and institutional aid, the FAFSA is the starting point in making education affordable.

“It puts students and families in a better position to choose the best fit for their education goals – and their pocketbook,” Giles added.

Vermont has set a statewide goal to have 65 percent of high school seniors complete the FAFSA. VSAC is hosting workshops on paying for college and filling out financial aid forms at 60-plus high schools around the state, now through December. Locations and dates are available at www.vsac.org.   

And check out the new FAFSA Fridays (and Thursday nights, too!) where students and families can get personalized assistance, in person or on the phone, on filling out the FAFSA with one of VSAC’s financial aid experts.

About VSAC – Changing Lives through Education and Training since 1965

Vermont Student Assistance Corporation is a public, nonprofit agency established by the Vermont Legislature in 1965 to help Vermonters achieve their education and training goals after high school. VSAC serves students and their families in grades 7-12, as well as adults returning to school, by providing education and career planning services, need-based grants, scholarships and education loans. VSAC has awarded more than $600 million in grants and scholarships for Vermont students, and also administers Vermont’s 529 college savings plan. Share your VSAC story by email to myVSACstory@vsac.org or submit a video to YouTube. Find us at www.vsac.org or check in on Facebook and Twitter. #changing lives