Cash for College Workshops

At our Cash for College events, our team of Financial Aid experts is dedicated to helping you access funds to finance your college education. These funds can be used for various educational expenses, including tuition, books, housing, transportation, childcare, computers, and more. While low-interest loans and work-study opportunities are also available, a significant portion of the aid awarded at our events is in the form of grants, meaning you won't have to worry about repayment.

You might believe that you don't qualify for financial aid, but we're here to assist you in determining your eligibility. Our support extends beyond traditional students; working adults and individuals taking just one class are also encouraged to apply. Even if you've already paid for the current semester, you could still be eligible for aid that could reimburse you. Moreover, the application process typically takes less than an hour, making it a worthwhile investment of your time.

Just imagine the relief of discovering that you've been awarded financial aid—it could significantly impact your educational journey. So why not spend a morning with us and find out how we can support you in achieving your academic goals? At our Cash for College events, we're committed to helping you access the funds you need to succeed.

• Here's a checklist for what to have during the workshops:
• 2024 Student/Parent Tax Information: This includes any tax documents such as 1040 forms. W-2 forms, 1099 forms, and any other income statements for the tax year 2024.
• 2024 Other Income Information for Student/Parents: Any additional income sources apart from employment, such as rental income, investment income, or self-employment income, should be documented and brought to the workshop.
• Social Security Numbers (SSN) or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Number for Student/Parents: Ensure you have the SSN or DACA number for both students and parents if applicable. This is essential for tax filing purposes.
• Alien Registration Number (A#), if applicable: If any participants have an A# (Alien Registration Number), they should bring this along.
• Driver’s License, if applicable: If participants have a driver’s license, it's advisable to bring it for identification purposes.
• By having all this information ready, attendees will be well-prepared to make the most of the workshops and efficiently address any tax-related queries or tasks.

1. Misconception: Federal student aid is just "free money" like grants. Reality: It includes grants, low-interest loans, and work-study funds.
2. Misconception: High-income families won't qualify for aid. Reality: Eligibility considers various factors beyond income, and everyone should fill out the FAFSA form to explore options.
3. Misconception: Only students with good grades get financial aid. Reality: Most federal aid programs do not consider grades; they focus on academic progress.
4. Misconception: Bad credit prevents getting student loans. Reality: Most federal student loans don't require a credit check or a cosigner.
5. Misconception: Ethnicity or age affects eligibility. Reality: Basic eligibility criteria exist, but ethnicity and age are not factors.
6. Misconception: Non-citizen parents mean no aid. Reality: Parental citizenship isn't a factor; the FAFSA form doesn't ask about it.
7. Misconception: The FAFSA® form is difficult and time-consuming. Reality: It takes about 30 minutes and isn't as complex as perceived.
8. Misconception: Self-support means excluding parent information. Reality: Dependency status for federal aid purposes is determined by specific criteria.
9. Misconception: FAFSA® must wait until after applying to schools. Reality: It can be completed before school applications to meet early deadlines.
10. Misconception: FAFSA® needs updating after filing taxes. Reality: Tax information from two years prior is sufficient for the FAFSA form.
11. Misconception: No aid last year means no need to reapply. Reality: It's crucial to reapply each year due to changing circumstances and aid availability.

This comprehensive guide helps debunk common myths and encourages informed decision-making regarding federal student aid.