[298] PROSPECTIVE COLLEGE STUDENTS CAN GET FAFSA

Release date: Feb. 6, 2009


News & Public Affairs contact: Randy Weiler, 615-898-2919 or jweiler@mtsu.edu
MTSU Financial Aid contact: Bonnie McCarty, 615-904-8414 or bmccarty@mtsu.edu


PROSPECTIVE COLLEGE STUDENTS CAN GET FAFSA
HELP AT MTSU FEB. 22 DURING COLLEGE GOAL SUNDAY


(MURFREESBORO) — If you are thinking about enrolling in college for the first time and need a little help financially, then you should consider attending the annual College Goal Sunday at MTSU from 2 until 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22.
College Goal Sunday is a free event held nationwide to assist families of new college students in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, said Bonnie McCarty, assistant director of scholarships in the MTSU financial aid office.
“We encourage any incoming student to come and we will assist them in filling out and filing their FAFSA form,” McCarty said. “We will give a brief presentation on filing for financial aid and then students can fill out their forms on the spot. We will be there to help if they need assistance.”
The event will be in the computer lab in the Business and Aerospace Building.
Prospective students and their parents are invited to attend, and they should bring a 2008 federal tax return for both parents and student and all 2008 W-2 forms. If tax forms or W-2s are not available, students may be able to file the FASFA using estimated tax information and alternate documentation such as a 2008 December pay stub.
College Goal Sunday is the fastest way to apply for financial aid, McCarty said.
“The TSAC Grants (need-based aid) generally will run out by early March, so it is important that students complete and submit their forms early,” she said. “Each spring, I have students that apply late and the money is gone. Attending and submitting your FAFSA at this event could prevent that from happening.”
College Goal Sunday is being held at 30 locations across the state and is an effort of the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation and the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, with support from the Tennessee Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators and the host sites. This is MTSU’s third year to serve as a host site.
For MTSU news and information, go to mtsunews.com.
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Media welcomed. Note: A jpeg College Goal Sunday logo is attached.