Financial aid is a perfect option for incoming Freshman because it helps pay for college if you are struggling financially through grants or loans. To access these resources all you need to do is sign up at the FAFSA.gov website before June 30, 2020. Applications open October 1st, 2019, and it’s a first come first serve system. While applications are accepted for the fall through June, the sooner you apply, the better your chances of receiving Pell Grants and aid. Once those have run out of funding, only loans will be available.

There are many options for financial aid, from scholarships to loans, but FAFSA is a requirement because it applies to all universities and loan providers. Brad Barnett, the director of financial assistance at James Madison University, said that FAFSA is the way to go. It is straightforward but time-consuming and has helped over 13 million people, with more applying every year! All you need to do is: Go to the FAFSA website and apply, it sounds too good to be true, but it’s not.

But remember, DON’T PROCRASTINATE!! If you do so, there’s a high chance that you won’t receive aid because you might miss your chance. Truly, the earlier you apply, the more you save. Many people struggle with anxiety in college because they are worried that they can’t pay their debts or that it might be too late to apply for a grant. Don’t get caught worrying about how to pay for college. Apply for FAFSA early and make sure all your ducks are in a row. The college office offers FAFSA workshops, and you can ask your PCC for more information once you are ready to sit down and apply.
If you are looking for more resources, view the links below.

https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa
https://blog.ed.gov/2017/09/8-steps-to-filling-out-the-fafsa-form/