News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
FAFSA application process is now open to prospective college students.
The program provides need-based financial aid to those who apply and meet qualifications. Jackson County High School Gear Up Coordinator Gary Flynn said that the process can sometimes be daunting for applicants. He said that the key is to be prepared prior to starting the application.
“The IRS tool that’s located inside the FAFSA will help the parent tremendously I think it takes care of almost 100 questions if they can just link that up,” Flynn said. “So you got to have good internet, number one. and then you’ve just got to have all of your information with your socials security numbers and how much money you have in the bank, if you have money in the bank, just all those documentations.”
He said that while not all students will be eligible for funding, it’s an easy way to potentially knock down the cost of tuition for higher education.
Flynn said that the program can ask some questions that applicants might be hesitant to answer, such as yearly income or guardian status. He said that the best thing for those applying to remember is that it doesn’t have to be a hard process.
“It’s not an easy process but it’s not as hard as it looks like when you take that first look,” Flynn said. “You’re like ‘Oh no, can I do this?’ I get that all the time, especially from parents. The kids are generally pretty savvy with the computers, but some of the parents like myself are not the best with them and they get intimidated. Just don’t get intimidated it’s doable.”
