Have a goal of attending college in the fall?

It’s time to think about the FAFSA – and ASAP.

On Feb. 8, College Goal Sunday seminars will be offered statewide to assist students and parents with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The free event is presented annually by the Ohio Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (OASFAA) and endorsed by the Ohio Board of Regents.

The FAFSA is the federal application that is required to receive federal financial aid including the Federal Pell Grant and student loans as well as the need-based state grants.

Terra Community College will host “College Goal Sunday” beginning at 2 p.m.

Likewise, Owens Community College will offer assistance beginning at 2 p.m. in the Audio/Visual Classroom Center on the Toledo-area campus.

Due to the great demand expected for assistance in completing the FASFA, families are encouraged to register for the free event at www.ohiocollegegoalsunday.org or by calling 1-877-428-8246.

The FAFSA is the key to funding a college education and helping families to overcome financial barriers that otherwise prevent students from attending the institution they want to. Studies show that a student is 50 percent more likely to attend college when they complete the FAFSA. While walk-ins are welcome, registration is encouraged. Record numbers are expected to attend.

“Owens Community College and fellow academic institutions are committed to offering the maximum amount of educational resources for students to fund their college education,” said Betsy Johnson, Owens director of financial aid and president of the Ohio Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators. “One of the biggest roadblocks students encounter when exploring their eligibility for financial aid is the financial aid form itself. College Goal Sunday invites students and their parents to spend an afternoon going through the application process step-by-step with a financial aid representative.”

Johnson added, “Students who apply now will have the advantage of being eligible for considerably more financial aid than those who wait until late spring. The money is out there and events such as College Goal Sunday are intended to provide some sense of hope to students who feel that financial resources are the biggest barrier to a college education.”

OASFAA is a non-profit, professional organization for individuals actively engaged in the administration of financial aid within the State of Ohio for higher education. As an educational organization, OASFAA strives to offer resources to students, families and high school advisors to promote higher education and increase awareness of financial aid opportunities.

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