Sixty-nine percent of first-generation college students believe they can’t afford college. The fact is that most of them are wrong. There are millions of dollars available to help Hoosiers pay for college. It all starts with FAFSA — the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

Filing the FAFSA is a must-do to qualify for most federal grants and loans, resources provided by the state of Indiana and support provided by colleges and universities. There is no cost to apply; it never hurts to try; it is the only way students can know their full financial aid eligibility.

Learn More Indiana doesn’t want any students unnecessarily missing the March 10 filing deadline. Human resource professionals should make sure their associates with college-bound students are aware of the opportunities. If you don’t play, you can’t get paid. Students and parents can learn more through the following:

• College Goal Sunday, February 15 at 2 p.m. (local time), provides free assistance at 36 locations throughout Indiana for students and parents filling out the FAFSA. Hoosiers can submit their FAFSA online at any site. For more information, visit www.collegegoalsunday.org or call 1-800-992-2076
• Learn More Indiana offers online step-by step instructions on how to fill out the FAFSA. In addition, Hoosiers can order a free publication, Indiana’s Guide to Paying for College: Step-by-Step Tips To Help High School Seniors Apply for Financial Aid, by calling 1-800-992-2076 or visiting www.learnmoreindiana.org.
• FAFSA Friday is an additional push for families needing assistance with filling out the FAFSA prior to the March 10 deadline. On Friday, February 27, Learn More Indiana will connect Hoosiers to financial aid advisors through a statewide webinar. Students, counselors, teachers and parents can view the presentation and chat with financial aid advisors by logging onto www.learnmoreindiana.org/FAFSAFriday between the hours of 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.