Planning for College

The single most important form for helping students receive money to go to college is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. The FAFSA form is required for students to be considered for federal and state grants, scholarships and student loans at most colleges, universities and vocational/technical schools nationwide.

March 10 is the deadline to file the form in order to be eligible for financial aid.

Completing the form, which is the gateway to financial aid, can seem difficult. To help college-bound students and families better navigate the application process, multiple financial aid experts will be providing assistance at 42 sites across Indiana on Sunday, Feb. 21, during College Goal Sunday. Visit www.CollegeGoalSunday.org for more information on how to get free help filing the form. Click here for the location nearest you.

In conjunction with College Goal Sunday, the state is working to help the more than 750,000 Hoosiers who have completed some higher education but have yet to attain a degree. You Can. Go Back. connects Hoosiers with Indiana colleges that are committed to eliminating barriers for returning adults. Many colleges offer special programs and incentives like flexible class schedules, online courses, college credit for work and military experience, debt-forgiveness and scholarships to help students. Visit www.learnmoreindiana.org/adults to learn more about the program dedicated to helping Hoosiers earn a degree suited for their lifestyles and needs.

I understand the challenges families face when it comes to paying for college. Establishing a College Choice 529 Direct Savings Plan is a good place to start. This savings program offers tax benefits, flexible investment choices and control over the assets while allowing others to contribute to accounts. To find out more about opening an educational savings account, click here.

Share the message about free FAFSA help by clicking here.

If you have questions or input as we continue moving Indiana forward, please contact me at (317) 232-9816 or h76@iga.in.gov.

Sincerely,

State Rep. Wendy McNamara