As the cost of higher education keeps climbing, Bucks County Community College wants to help students reach their goals with Financial Aid Information Night, set for Tuesday, Feb. 28, at 6:30 p.m. in the Linksz Pavilion of the Newtown Campus, 275 Swamp Road, Newtown.
“At the free information session, parents and students will learn how to complete federal forms to apply for financial aid at any college or university,” said Donna Wilkoski, director of financial aid at Bucks. “People look at the form and feel it’s overwhelming the first time they do it. But it’s the best way to find out if you qualify for aid and scholarships, and the earlier you file, the better.”
Commonly called the FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form must be filled out annually by college students and their parents to determine eligibility for federal financial aid. In addition, many states and schools use the information on the form to decide upon state grant awards, and institutional grants and scholarships.
“Bucks holds the information session each February because it’s the time of year that most people gather their income tax documents, and the FAFSA refers to specific lines on tax return forms,” said Wilkoski.
In addition, some schools have financial aid application deadlines in the spring.
At the Feb. 28 forum, representatives from the Financial Aid Office will discuss the types of aid offered through both the federal government and the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency. The college’s financial aid officials will also be available for private consultation. The Foundation Office will also discuss the scholarship opportunities at the college at this forum.
“There’s a wide range of financial aid available. It all depends on a student’s situation,” said Wilkoski. “For instance, everybody can apply for a federal student aid. Even those determined in-eligible for federal aid will be able to borrow through loans. At Bucks, more than one-third of our students receive some sort of aid.”
For more information about Financial Aid Information Night, email the Financial Aid Office at finaid@bucks.edu or call 215-968-8200. In case of inclement weather, the program will take place Tuesday, March 7. For snow closing information, visit bucks.edu.
BCCC’s Financial Aid Office provides the following tips for applicants:
– All students and one parent must obtain an FSA ID to sign the form electronically. This can be obtained at studentaid.gov.
– Gather your 2021 tax information before completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Your prior-prior year tax information is reported on the 2023-24 FAFSA application.
– Complete the FAFSA by the deadline prescribed by your school. The FAFSA can be completed online at studentaid.gov.
– Check with the college you will be attending to see if they require other forms to be filed.
