TUCSON GEAR UP PROJECT

OFFICE ADMINISTRATION

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

TUCSON GEAR UP PROJECT

GETTING STARTED:

FINANCIAL AID 2012

FREE MONEYIf you’ve done the work to graduate

from high school this spring you may be eligible for up to $5,500 in FREE

MONEY. Here’s how to claim

it.

FAFSA

•FREE Application for Federal Student Aid

•A form to request federal funds to continue your education

WHO SHOULD COMPLETE FAFSA?

•Any student graduating from high school in May 2012 who is

•A U.S. citizen, permanent resident, conditional permanent resident or other eligible non-citizen (asylee, refugee, etc)

WHY COMPLETE FAFSA?

•Up to $5,500 in free grant money to use toward getting a vocational, A.A., or B.A or B.S degree • Not based on your grades or credits, based on your need

WHY COMPLETE FAFSA, cont’d?

•Be eligible for additional scholarships from colleges or private foundations• Eligible for college work study• No obligation eligibility for student loans if you need more money for school

HOW?

www.fafsa.ed.gov STEP 1(now): request a PIN and have your parents request a PINhttp://youtu.be/iy2sAtNaJ-g

STEP 2 after January 1: gather your parents’ and your own W-2 forms and other information required to file federal taxes

HOW?

www.fafsa.ed.gov STEP 3 (before March 1): complete and submit the on-line FAFSA form (or paper form if you are an eligible non-citizen). Indicate any school you may attend when submitting.

STEP 4 (3 to 5 days after filing FAFSA): Receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) which indicates your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). CHECK EMAIL!!

HOW?

www.fafsa.ed.gov STEP 5: Work with the school you will attend to determine how much free grant $ you get based on EFC

Full time students with EFC of $0 receive $5,500 or more. Amount will vary based on EFC and expected hours you will attend classes as well as school’s specific programs.

KEEP IN MIND…

•The MARCH 1 deadline is not flexible for many 4 year colleges. You can miss out on $ if you wait.

•You must also apply to enroll in the school by their admissions deadline to be eligible for your money.

Pima degree/certificates: rolling, apply soon

UA, ASU, NAU: complete by March 1

for greatest financial aid options

Other schools: check with advisors

HELP IS AVAILABLE…

•College Goal SundayFebruary 12 2:00-4:00

pm•PCC Desert Vista•PCC Downtown•UA Campus (Aerospace & Mech Eng Bldg)

•College Coach