Berrien Springs HS Counseling Office: Financial Aid

FINANCIAL AID -- IMPORTANT DATES

VIRTUAL FINANCIAL AID OVERVIEW

Wednesday, February 24th at 6pm zoom link: https://swmich.zoom.us/j/94756556794

What to expect:

Southwestern Michigan College will provide 20-30 minute, basic financial aid overview. No sign up necessary.

VIRTUAL FAFSA 1:1 APPOINTMENTS

Wednesday, February 24th beginning at 6:30pm.

SIGN UP for appointments here: https://signup.com/go/jemoQin

SMC Financial Aid Advisors will assist seniors and parents with the FAFSA. Bring your materials and questions to make the most of your 15 minute session.

Completing the FAFSA typically takes 45 minutes, so it isn't likely they'll be able to help you complete the FAFSA in its entirety. To optimize your time together for a successful Zoom session, please have the following information available:

Student AND parent/guardian need to have an FSA ID created. Only one parent/guardian needs an ID. Tip: Use your personal email address and WRITE DOWN YOUR ID AND PASSWORD for future reference. Do this now: https://fsaid.ed.gov/npas/index.htm

To complete the FAFSA, you will also need this info:

Completed 2019 Federal Income Taxes for household

if parents are divorced, only the household tax info of the parents that student primarily lives with is required. Also, if this parent is remarried, you will need to report info for your stepparent
if parents are divorced and student lives with each parent equally then report info from parent who provided more financial support. Also, if this parent is remarried, you will need to report info for your stepparent on the FAFSA

A copy of the student and/or the parent's W2s, 1099s, and/or Schedule C's, if student worked and,
All 2019 untaxed income information. Untaxed information includes but is not limited to child support, housing, food, and other living allowances, veterans non-educational benefits, etc.

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

Who? Seniors who plan to attend college the 2021-2022 school year must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to qualify for financial aid.

What is it? Financial Aid is free money to help you pay for college and is based on your 2019 household income. The FAFSA determines if you qualify for the Pell Grant. In addition, many states and colleges use your FAFSA info to determine your eligibility for state and school aid, and some private financial aid providers use your FAFSA info to determine if you qualify for their aid - therefore if even if you think you will not qualify the FAFSA is usually the first step in getting any scholarship or grant.

When do I apply? Beginning OCTOBER 1 go to www.fafsa.gov to complete your application.

How do I get help? See IMPORTANT DATES above

DEADLINE: March 1st (Michigan).
Your college/university may have an earlier deadline - it is your responsibility to investigate.

RESOURCES

For a quick an easy reference for students and their families, share the Filling Out the FAFSA Resource Guide, which walks through the FAFSA process and answers the most common questions asked by students and parents.

Financial Aid Assistance