STACK: STUDENTS SHOULD GET A HEAD START ON FINANCIAL AID

            PHILADELPHIA, January 21 — High school seniors and others who wish to attend college this fall should begin the financial aid application process now, state Sen. Mike Stack said today.

            “Financial aid makes higher education possible and affordable for a number of students,” Stack said.  “Many families are struggling in today’s troubled economy, making it even more important for students to apply for financial aid.”

            The deadline for filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for a Pennsylvania State Grant is May 1, but students can begin filing applications now. 

            The FAFSA is used to determine if students qualify for almost all forms of need-based financial aid, including the Pennsylvania State Grant, federal Pell Grant, many scholarships and institutional awards and low-cost student loans.

            “Getting a head start on financial aid applications helps reduce some of the stress and chaos high school seniors and their families often face throughout the spring,” Stack said.  “I encourage students to fill out the FAFSA now in order to meet earlier financial aid deadlines.”

            Families can access the 2010-11 FAFSA and seek assistance completing the FAFSA online by visiting the senator’s Web site at www.senatorstack.com and clicking the “Plan for College” link.

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