Start preparing to pay for college now

A column by State Senator Bob Regola

39th Senatorial District

 

There are many important events in the life of high school seniors as they prepare for graduation and start looking toward their futures. Certainly, selecting a college and filing the necessary applications is one of those milestones.

But, even as they visit campuses and prepare their essays, those students should also be looking at ways to pay for college. In today’s world, one of the many challenges facing students who plan to attend college is finding financial support.

That’s why I want to urge local high school seniors to start now in their efforts to secure financial assistance that will help them and their families pay the costs associated.

The first step should be to file the 2007-08 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is now available and students and their families can either file a traditional form or submit an application electronically.

The FAFSA is used to determine students’ eligibility for almost all types of student aid, including state grants, Federal Pell Grants, Keystone Stafford Loans, regular Federal Stafford Loans and other federal and institutional programs.

I strongly urge the families of high school seniors to file the FAFSA. There are many grant and loan programs available for students and this application is the first step in securing that money.

Paper applications are available from school guidance counselors. Those looking for more information about the FAFSA or interested in filing an electronic application can do so by accessing either fafsa.ed.gov or the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency’s college planning website: EducationPlanner.org.

EducationPlanner also offers a free tutorial program to assist in filing the application and provides tips on how to eliminate errors and speed up the process.

Paying for higher education is not easy, and every bit of support can be helpful.  I encourage area students who think they meet the criteria to apply for this aid.  I also urge students to explore PHEAA’s other options for assistance, either using the agency’s great website or with the help of a guidance counselor.

Students planning to enroll in baccalaureate degree programs – including those enrolled in college transfer programs at community or junior colleges -- must file the FAFSA by May 1, 2007.  Students planning to attend business, trade and technical schools; hospital schools of nursing, or two-year non-transferable programs at community, junior or four-year colleges must file the FAFSA by Aug. 1, 2007.