WEST BURLINGTON, Iowa — Persons interested in starting college this fall can get free help completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) from SCC staff at two special sessions on Wednesday, July 31 and Wednesday, August 14.
The events will take place from 3 to 6 p.m. at SCC's West Burlington campus in room 361.
“If you’re on the fence about going to college or you still haven't applied for financial aid, you still have time left,” said Sheri Knipe, SCC Financial Aid Director.
Staff members from the SCC Financial Aid Office, the Educational Opportunity Center, and other college departments will be on-hand to guide students through the FAFSA and to answer questions about financial aid.
Knipe encouraged people to apply as soon as they can.
“It can be intimidating to complete the FAFSA you’ve never done it before", Knipe continued. “We’ll help you through the process. Don't let this stop you from attending college.”
This event is free and open to students of any age or income, regardless of which college they plan to attend. There is no need to pre-register; staff will help attendees on a first-come, first-served basis.
“This is a great way to complete the FAFSA all at once without interruptions,” Knipe said, adding, “Submitting it now gives students a better chance at getting the different types of aid available.”
Students who complete their FAFSA or create their FSA ID at the event will be entered in a drawing for prizes, including gift cards to the Blackhawk Bookstore.
Students under age 24 should attend with at least one parent or guardian.
Knipe explained that most traditional-age college students are required to include parental information on their FAFSA, so it's helpful if the student and at least one parent can attend.
To complete the 2024-2025 FAFSA, students and parents should each bring the following:
- Social Security number, driver's license number and date of birth
- 2022 federal and state tax returns, complete with all schedules and worksheets
- W-2 forms or other records of income earned in 2022
- Current bank statements and asset and investment records
- Records of untaxed income received last year
- A-Number if not a U.S. citizen
A list of frequently asked questions, including a link to a complete list of required information and documents, can be found at https://www.icansucceed.org/financial-aid/fafsa
Students and parents may register in advance for an FSA ID to electronically sign the FAFSA and make future changes. Visit https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch to create an FSA ID or retrieve a forgotten FSA ID.
Students who are unable to attend this event are encouraged to contact the Educational Opportunity Center located at SCC. Appointments are available year-round to provide assistance with filing the FAFSA.
For more information, call (319) 208-5026 or visit scciowa.edu.