For many students, the cost of college can feel overwhelming, but programs like FAFSA and the Oregon Promise help make higher education more affordable. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form that students in the United States fill out to apply for financial aid for college. This financial aid can come from the federal government, state governments, or the colleges themselves. FAFSA helps determine how much money a student may receive in grants, loans, or work-study opportunities to help pay for tuition, books, and other college expenses. Students usually fill out the FAFSA application during their senior year of high school or before starting their college journey. The application asks questions about the student’s financial situation and their parents’ income so the government can estimate how much financial help the student needs. According to the U.S. Department of Education, “the FAFSA form is the application that students and families must complete to apply for federal student aid.” This shows how important FAFSA is because it is the main way students can qualify for financial support for college.
Many states also require students to complete FAFSA if they want to qualify for state financial aid programs. In Oregon, one example of a program that works with FAFSA is the Oregon Promise. The Oregon Promise is a grant program that helps recent high school graduates pay for tuition at Oregon community colleges. Students who qualify can receive money that helps cover much of the cost of community college classes, making continuing education more affordable. This program is managed by the Oregon Office of Student Access and Completion and is designed to encourage more students to continue their education after high school. Overall, FAFSA and the Oregon Promise are important programs that help make college possible for many students by reducing the financial burden.
Completing FAFSA is one of the most important steps students can take when planning for college. Tia Molony, in the College and Career Center, explained that the FAFSA is the starting point for most financial aid opportunities. She stated, “The FAFSA form is the application that students and families must complete to apply for federal aid.” This means that without filling out FAFSA, students may miss out on grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities, and other financial support that can help make college more affordable. Molony also explained that the FAFSA does more than just determine eligibility for federal aid. Schools, states, and other organizations often use the information from FAFSA to determine what other types of financial help a student may receive. In other words, completing the FAFSA allows students to be considered for multiple types of aid at once. Because college can be very expensive, taking the time to complete this application can make a major difference in how much students and their families will have to pay.
Molony also emphasized how central the FAFSA is to the entire financial aid process. She wrote, “It is the main way federal financial aid is available to students.” Her explanation highlights why students should not wait until the last minute to complete the form. If students apply early and make sure all their information is correct, they increase their chances of receiving more aid. Molony also discussed how many other scholarships are available to everyone, not just seniors.
Sam Barlow High School Scholarship List Local Scholarships These links show a list of many possible ways to earn a little extra. For any information needed, just make sure to keep checking your email for anything from the college and career office or from a scholarship.
