In order to afford college tuition, many seniors are filling out the  Free Application for Federal Student Aid. 

FAFSA is a free form available on fafsa.ed.gov. There are three different ways FAFSA can provide financial aid. First is a grant: money that does not have to be paid back. Second is a loan, which is money that does have to be paid back after graduating from college, and third is work study. Work study programs allows students to get a job on campus and work 10-20 hours a week with a pay of about $10-$15 an hour.

“So far, I have filled out the FAFSA and I am applying for any Hispanic related scholarships I can find,” senior Nestor Martinez said.

One’s ability to go to college often depends heavily on financial aid.

“Some schools I applied to are really expensive, so unless I receive a lot of financial aid for them then I won’t consider going there,” senior Emma Cahoon said.

There are many different things that go into the form. Everyone receives a different amount of money.

“I always recommend that every student fill it out regardless of your income level because some scholarships require you to have filled out the FAFSA,” career specialist Karen Burke said. “It’s also important to fill out because it’s like a backup insurance plan. If something should happen to a parent and you don’t have the FAFSA on file, there’s nothing the college can do to help you financially.”

Financial aid champion Linda Boyke will keep regular hours two days per week in the Career Center to meet with parents and students to assist with the FAFSA. To set up an appointment to meet with her, email her at lboyke@fcps.edu.