February is Financial Aid Month
EducationQuest explains application process
(LINCOLN Neb. February 13, 2006) – February is Financial Aid Month and EducationQuest Foundation wants to inform college-bound Nebraskans about the financial aid application process.
The application for state, federal and college-specific financial aid is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Those who should complete the FAFSA include college-bound high school seniors and their parents, college-bound adults and current college students.
"Many colleges have a March 1 FAFSA deadline, which is why February is such a crucial month in the financial aid process," said EducationQuest President Liz Fieselman.
Students and parents can complete and file the FAFSA electronically at www.fafsa.ed.gov. They should first gather the following items (independent students should disregard the "parent" items):
- Department of Education Personal Identification Numbers for student and one parent (apply at www.pin.ed.gov)
- Student and parent 2005 federal tax returns and W-2s
- Value of checking/savings accounts and non-retirement investments
- Amount of untaxed incom e
- Student's driver's license number
- Student and parent Social Security numbers
- Date parents were married, separated, divorced or widowed
- Parent's date of birth
- Alien Registration Number for eligible non-citizens
For free help with the FAFSA, students and parents can call EducationQuest to make an appointment or to receive assistance over the phone. EducationQuest, a private, nonprofit organization that provides free college-planning services, is located in Kearney (800.666.3721), Lincoln (800.303.3745), and Omaha (888.357.6300).
EducationQuest Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization with a mission to improve access to higher education in Nebraska. Through a permanent endowment, EducationQuest provides free college planning services at its locations in Kearney, Lincoln and Omaha; funds need-based scholarship programs; and provides grants for programs that enhance college access. For more information, call EducationQuest Foundation, headquartered in Lincoln, at 800-303-3745 or visit www.EducationQuest.org.
