VIEWPOINT | Paperwork can be gateway, not barrier to career dreams
VIEWPOINT | Paperwork can be gateway, not barrier to career dreams
Guest column by Cathy Mueller, Mapping Your Future
Money is often cited as the barrier keeping people from pursuing college and career dreams.
That’s not too surprising considering rising tuition and other costs, and yet there is a way that many are breaking down that barrier by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
A State of Higher Education report, published a few months ago by Lumina Foundation and Gallup, reported that “the price tag of a degree remains the predominant barrier for unenrolled adults of all ages, genders, races, and ethnicities.”
On the other hand, research by the National College Attainment Network has shown that high school seniors who complete the FAFSA are 84 percent more likely to enroll in post-secondary education. No doubt, some of these seniors were concerned about the cost of an education before applying for financial aid. But likely what they saw after completing the FAFSA was that an education could be affordable.
When a prospective student completes the FAFSA, they are not only applying for federal aid. Even though the FAFSA has “federal” in its name, information on the form is also used by state governments for awarding state aid programs and by colleges, schools and universities for their institutional aid programs. In addition, some private foundations use FAFSA information to award scholarships.
For many students, who couldn’t otherwise afford the cost of an education, the FAFSA makes it possible.
If you or your student have not completed the FAFSA, here are some reasons why you should:
Expand your options. The FAFSA opens up educational opportunities without requiring a commitment. Even if you aren’t sure yet what you want to pursue, knowing what funds you could receive for your education gives you an understanding of all the options available to you.
Avoid missing out on free money for your education. Find out if you qualify for need-based federal financial aid. Completing the FAFSA will determine your eligibility for need-based aid, including Federal Pell Grants and state or institutional programs. By not completing the FAFSA, you may be leaving money on the table.
Meet basic eligibility requirements for federal student loans. The FAFSA is the first step in securing federal student loans. Although you should seek grants and scholarships first, complete the FAFSA in case you need to borrow money for your education.
Qualify for other types of financial aid. Besides federal aid, the FAFSA is a basic requirement for many types of financial aid, including state programs, school or college funding, and even some private foundation scholarships.
Save time and money. Completing the FAFSA online is fast and easy. Don’t let challenges with the form delay your pursuit of an education, which could cost you more time and money in the long run. If you need help with the FAFSA, contact Mapping Your Future.
Because financial aid could be critical to you or your student’s success, it’s important to complete the FAFSA as soon as possible and start planning your future.
Cathy Mueller is executive director at Mapping Your Future, Inc., a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization that helps students plan better tomorrows.
