TUCSON GEAR UP PROJECT OFFICE ADMINISTRATION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES TUCSON GEAR UP PROJECT GETTING STARTED: FINANCIAL AID 2012

FREE MONEY If you’ve done the work to graduate from high school this spring you may be eligible for up to $5,500 in FREE MONEY. Here’s how to claim it.

FAFSA FREE Application for Federal Student Aid A form to request federal funds to continue your education

WHO SHOULD COMPLETE FAFSA? Any student graduating from high school in May 2012 who is A U.S. citizen, permanent resident, conditional permanent resident or other eligible non-citizen (asylee, refugee, etc)

WHY COMPLETE FAFSA? Up to $5,500 in free grant money to use toward getting a vocational, A.A., or B.A or B.S degree Not based on your grades or credits, based on your need

WHY COMPLETE FAFSA, cont’d? Be eligible for additional scholarships from colleges or private foundations Eligible for college work study No obligation eligibility for student loans if you need more money for school

HOW? STEP 1(now): request a PIN and have your parents request a PIN STEP 2 after January 1: gather your parents’ and your own W-2 forms and other information required to file federal taxes

HOW? STEP 3 (before March 1): complete and submit the on-line FAFSA form (or paper form if you are an eligible non-citizen). Indicate any school you may attend when submitting. STEP 4 (3 to 5 days after filing FAFSA): Receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) which indicates your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). CHECK !!

HOW? STEP 5: Work with the school you will attend to determine how much free grant $ you get based on EFC Full time students with EFC of $0 receive $5,500 or more. Amount will vary based on EFC and expected hours you will attend classes as well as school’s specific programs.

KEEP IN MIND… The MARCH 1 deadline is not flexible for many 4 year colleges. You can miss out on $ if you wait. You must also apply to enroll in the school by their admissions deadline to be eligible for your money. Pima degree/certificates: rolling, apply soon UA, ASU, NAU: complete by March 1 for greatest financial aid options Other schools: check with advisors

HELP IS AVAILABLE… College Goal Sunday February 12 2:00-4:00 pm PCC Desert Vista PCC Downtown UA Campus (Aerospace & Mech Eng Bldg) College Coach