Today, State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport), Senate Chair of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee, encouraged high schoolers across the state to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Submitting this financial aid form will help students learn what financial assistance may be available as they pursue a degree. To qualify for priority consideration, Connecticut students must complete the FAFSA by Feburary 15th. They can do so by visiting studentaid.gov.
Sen. Haskell added that completing the FAFSA will be easier than ever before, as Congress recently voted to dramatically reduce the number of questions and streamline the process for students and their families. Additionally, Connecticut public and private colleges and universities are providing students and their families with virtual information sessions regarding how to complete this application and similar financial aid forms. General information sessions will continue through February 7, with additional ones to be scheduled in the future if necessary, and can be accessed at this link. Additionally, students and families will be able to reserve one-on-one appointments with admissions and financial aid officers for direct help with the application process.
“There is literally no downside to completing the FAFSA,” said Sen. Haskell. “We know that FAFSA applications declined significantly in Connecticut in 2020, matching a national trend. If we help more students to fill out this form and learn what federal aid opportunities might be available to them, we’ll bring back more federal dollars from Washington and help more students achieve their potential.”
The schedule for remaining virtual sessions includes two daily events at 4 and 5:30 p.m. on the following dates:
Students are asked to prepare their social security number, a 2019 tax return, W-2 or income records, current bank statements, any business and investment records and proof of U.S. residence.
To register for a listening session, students can click here.