Even though many state financial aid programs are facing record number applicants while budgets are being cut, government officials around the U.S. are urging prospective students to fill out federal financial aid forms when they are accepted to colleges. This includes those who are applying for online college degree programs.
One example of this is the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, who recently launched a campaign to compel degree seekers to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This includes those who believe they will receive insufficient funding, the Associated Press reports.
Unfortunately the state ended its Monetary Award Program in April. Regardless, officials say that students should not let that discourage them from seeking financial assistance. There are many other student aid options, including those provided by the Department of Education.
In fact, students who fill out the FAFSA could receive more aid than they expected. The maximum award amount increases each year, so prospective degree seekers may be eligible for more funding than they thought. This year the Pell Grant went up by $200, making the maximum award for the 2010 – 2011 academic year $5550. This sum goes a long way in helping students pay for an online degree.
Furthermore, filling out the FAFSA is a requirement for many other grant and scholarship opportunities. The Test Drive College Online program, which provides qualified individuals with the opportunity to take a free online course that can later be applied to a degree program for college credit, is an example of this. Applicants who choose not to fill it out may miss out on a number of opportunities that could help make the cost of a degree less of a burden.
June 16, 2010
I’ve been looking at different financial aid programs lately and this helped me out, thanks!
June 16, 2010
i’m all about free money for school!
June 20, 2010
That picture is 100% accurate because Financial Aid does = lifesaver!
June 20, 2010
FAFSA saved me when I was going to school LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE!
June 20, 2010
Is it mandatory FAFSA form in order to begin the process of getting financial aid?
June 21, 2010
I always found it hard to figure out the fafsa but lately its been getting easier and easier, I’m so happy the amount of money they offer now has gone up!
June 21, 2010
financial aid is awesome, seriously, and its bout time the gvmnt gives more money for higher learning, how else is the country supposed to get educated and compete with the rest of the world, can I fill out this fafsa completely online?
June 21, 2010
I have looked at this form and it seems very complicated. Do colleges offer help in filling it out?
June 22, 2010
Wow I never new financial aid helped so much. It is hard to get approved for grant money?
June 22, 2010
I’ll be filling out FAFSA ASAP!
June 22, 2010
nice! i’ll get on that FAFSA right away
June 26, 2010
I have been trying to grt financial aid so I can go back to school. I am having a lot of trouble filling out the forms. Is there anywhere I can go for help?
June 26, 2010
I have been trying to get a grant for college for over a year and am not having any luck. What do you suggest?
June 28, 2010
I am very interested in this article. I have tried to fill out this FAFSA application but I am having a lot of trouble. Is there anywhere I can go for help?
June 28, 2010
This is such good advise. Financial Aid has been a lifesaver for me. It was difficult to complete, but I did and now I am almost to my bachelors degree, feels so good.
July 2, 2010
I filled out the FAFSA and waiting to hear about financial aid. Once I have completed this form, am I eligible for all forms of financial aid.
July 2, 2010
I just learned that I will get a scholarship to the school at which I have been accepted. This scholarship will not be enought to cover my tuition and I will need more financial aid. Am I still eligible for more funding?
July 2, 2010
I filled out my form yesterday! thanks for the heads up
July 2, 2010
up by $200? thats a textbook and a half
July 5, 2010
is it too late to apply???
July 5, 2010
FAFSA saved my butt big time!
July 5, 2010
How do I go about appllying for grant money and will they give it to someone who has a bad credit score?
July 8, 2010
This is so true. I never though I would be eligible for financial aid, but I did get approved and am going to start my bachelors degree online.
July 8, 2010
I have tried for over six months to get financial aid to finish my degree. I am having so much trouble completing the forms requested. Is there somewhere I can go for help?
July 8, 2010
I hope the deadline hasn’t passed!
July 8, 2010
wihout FAFSA i’d never have been able to pay for school
July 10, 2010
Is there an age limit on FAFSA?
July 10, 2010
FAFSA ftw! thanks for the article
July 13, 2010
We need more programs like FAFSA! I’ll be sure to pass this article along to others
July 14, 2010
How long does it take to receive your financial aid usually once you’ve filled out the FAFSA? I really need to get on it..
July 14, 2010
I need financial aid for college. How hard is it go get approved?
July 14, 2010
I finally got approved for finaancial ad. It was one of the most difficult things I have every had to do. But, I know it will be worth it when I get my college degree.
July 14, 2010
Do you think the amount awarded will continue to increase over the next decade?
July 15, 2010
If I’m going to school online am I still covered?
July 18, 2010
Financial aid is such a lifesaver. I just got approved and now I can finish my degree. Thank you for the help.
July 18, 2010
I am getting ready to apply for financial aid. Any tips?
July 20, 2010
I’m taking courses online, does this apply to me?
July 24, 2010
FAFSA has been such a help, thank you for sharing this information!
July 29, 2010
Financial aid is such a great thing. I just go approved and now I can start my online degree. Yeah!
August 2, 2010
Does FAFSA cover any college in the U.S.?
August 3, 2010
Anyone know if they cover textbooks?
August 4, 2010
I’m nervous, do most people get covered by FAFSA?
August 5, 2010
Financial aid has save me from not being able to complete my education.
August 7, 2010
It is really great to get this financial aid. But, is there anywhere, or any scholarship, grant, or fellowship that gives full payment for a college education?
August 16, 2010
Just finished filling mine out!
September 3, 2010
Does applying to FAFSA early, allow you to obtain more aid?
October 14, 2010
Eligibility for aid depends on your Expected Family Contribution (EFC), year in school, enrollment status, and cost of attendance. Applying earlier does not necessarily mean you will obtain more, but the earlier you apply the better.
October 20, 2010
[...] States Urge College Applicants to Fill Out FAFSA [...]
December 12, 2010
Financial aid is the one and only reason why I was able to get through college and FAFSA was the starting point for all of it. While it was tedious to get through I’m thankful that it was there because, and I know I’m not alone in this, there really wouldn’t have been a way for me to pay for school otherwise.
March 6, 2011
The sooner you fill out the form the more aid you get is that correct?
March 16, 2011
Hello Arnold. The FAFSA takes into consideration a student’s financial need so if you do not qualify there is a chance you may not receive any aid even if you filed early. However, you should file your FAFSA as early as possible so that if you qualify you receive as much as you are eligible for. Good luck!
August 16, 2011
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