State FAFSA Deadlines Looming for College-Bound Students

An important deadline is looming for students wishing to apply for financial aid for California State University campuses for the 2011-12 academic year. The free application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) priority deadline is March 2.

By filling out the form, students provide information that will determine if they are eligible for federal and state aid (grants). The FAFSA helps calculate the amount of money parents or guardians can contribute to a student’s college costs by evaluating the number of people in the family, the number of family members in college, family income and assets.

There is an estimated $156 billion in federal funds available for the 2011-2012 academic year, according to the U.S. Department of Education. Some schools also require students to fill out the FAFSA to be eligible for scholarships.

A completed 2010 tax form, or a W2, is all that’s needed to fill out the FAFSA. You can submit the FAFSA online, or complete the PDF version of the application and mail it. A paper version is also available by calling toll free 800-433-3243.

Need help completing the FAFSA or other forms? See your high school counselor or college financial aid administrator, or attend a free California Cash for College workshop.