Seniors heading to college need to apply for financial aid by March 15

[vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/57233157 w=500&h=281]

As HISD seniors begin receiving college acceptance letters, another important part of the college process begins—figuring out how to pay for it! In an effort to help HISD students and their families apply for financial aid, high schools across the district have been holding FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) workshops.

Each year, the Office of Federal Student Aid offers more than $150 billion through grants, loans, and work-study funds to help students pay for higher education. Students and their parents must apply for the funds through an on-line application process at www.fafsa.gov.

“Filling out a FAFSA is extremely important because it is the only way a student can qualify for federal, state, and college financial aid,” said Adam Essex with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Federal Student Aid. “One of the most common mistakes students and parents make is to wait too long to fill out the application.”

January 1 was the first day members of the Class of 2013 were able to begin the FAFSA application process. Essex says even though the federal government doesn’t have a firm deadline as to when FAFSA applications need to be completed, all 50 states do, and for Texas the priority deadline is March 15.

To hear more information about FAFSA and to watch an interview with Essex, click on the video above.