FAFSA student aid applications available on line

WINOOSKI

Vermont Student Assistance Corp. is reminding students to file their annual FAFSA application – the crucial first step to receiving financial aid.

The FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is the basis for determining eligibility for federal Pell grants, VSAC’s Vermont State Grant, financial aid from the school that the student attends and for student loans.

“Simply put, no FAFSA, no financial aid,” said Scott Giles, VSAC president and CEO. “Vermonters know the cost of continuing their education is a big investment. Every student should file the FAFSA to get all the financial aid that they are eligible for.”

Students can learn more about the FAFSA and file online by visiting www.vsac.org. VSAC also has links to the online applications for the Vermont State Grant, available to Vermont students enrolled full-time or part-time.

The earlier students apply, the better, Giles said, because many schools and colleges have deadlines for submitting financial aid applications – some as early as February or March. And, some student aid is only available on a first-come, first-served basis until the money runs out.

For those students interested in applying for a scholarship, VSAC has an online link to the available programs and an online application. Deadline for scholarship applications is March 6.