Illinois Valley Community College financial aid representatives will present a workshop to help unravel the mysteries of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form on Wednesday, Oct. 29, at the College.
All area high school seniors, college students and their families are invited to stop by the Academic Support Center (A201) between 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. for individual help. They should bring their 2024 tax information, Federal Student Aid (FSA) identifications for both student and parent, and any records of untaxed income.
“The FAFSA can feel intimidating, but we are here to make it as smooth as possible,” said IVCC Director of Financial Aid Isamar Taylor. Participants also will receive an IVCC Bookstore gift card while supplies last.
Even if they are undecided about financial aid, Taylor urges families to complete the form well ahead of June’s federal deadline. The FAFSA is key to unlocking all forms of federal, state, and local student assistance, from federal grants to state Monetary Award Program (MAP) grants to IVCC scholarships and even some on-campus jobs.
“The FAFSA process has stabilized quite a bit compared to the last few years, but we are still encouraging students and families to start the process now. Completing it early helps students secure the most funding available and plan their education with confidence,” Taylor said.
Changes this year in Pell Grant eligibility may mean that students with the greatest needs get funding, and a modification for small family-owned businesses or farms could make it easier for middle-income families to qualify for aid, Taylor added.
The process of inviting parents or spouses to complete their sections of the form also has been simplified. Taylor suggests students and parents each create their own FSA ID and use the IRS Direct Data Exchange to ensure speedy and accurate processing.
Award notifications will be issued in the spring.
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