Free Assistance with FAFSA Continues at COD in March

The College of DuPage Financial Aid Office will host additional free sessions for students and community members who would like assistance with filling out the 2011-2012 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms.

The sessions will be held in the Student Resource Center, Room 3687, on Thursday, March 8, from 3 to 5 p.m.; Tuesday, March 13, from 2 to 4 p.m.; Thursday, March 22, from 5 to 7 p.m.; and Tuesday, March 27, from 3 to 5 p.m.

Completing a FAFSA is the first step in applying for state and federal financial aid in the form of grants, loans and work study. Most colleges and universities also require a completed FAFSA to apply for institutional grants and scholarships. Effective for 2012-2013, students and parents are strongly encouraged to use the IRS Data Retrival tool when completing the tax portion of the FAFSA. Using the IRS Data Retrieval tool will streamline the application and awarding process, as well as cut down on errors. Filing taxes at least two weeks before the FAFSA session provides students/parents with an opportunity to use the IRS Data Retrieval tool at the session.

NOTE: Prior to attending a FAFSA session, students (and parents of dependent students) should apply for a Federal Student Aid PIN online at www.pin.ed.gov. In addition, students must bring the following information: student's 2011 Federal Tax Return (or parent/spouse's returns if dependent or married); student's 2011 W2 forms; records of untaxed income; records of investment/asset/business/farm value.

For more information, call the COD Financial Aid Office at (630) 942-2251 or e-mail financialaid@cod.edu.