FAFSA Workshops
What is the FAFSA?
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is the form required to be considered for financial aid such as federal grants, work-study funds, and loans. Information from parents and students is used to determine eligibility for federal financial aid. The form can be completed here.
Why apply for Federal Student Aid?
It is 100% FREE to apply. Completing the FAFSA makes you a candidate for federal aid AND may also be used to determine eligibility for certain state/institution need-based awards. The FAFSA is being adjusted to account for inflation and a million more students are expected to receive Pell Grants! There are more funds to access than ever before!
Who should apply?
Any U.S. Citizen or eligible non-citizen that demonstrates financial need who is interested in receiving Federal Student Aid during the 2024-2025 academic year should apply, regardless of income or GPA.
When are applications due?
The FAFSA for 2024-2025 is OPEN and families are encouraged to complete it as soon as possible. However, the Department of Education announced that they will not be sending the information to the colleges until mid-March, which means families will likely not receive a financial aid award letter from a college until April.
What if I’m still having trouble filing out my form?
The launch of the new Better FAFSA has caused some headaches. The Department of Ed is aware of these issues and are working on solutions. You can see a list of all unresolved issues here. Students of undocumented parents are now able to fill out the FAFSA, however they will have to manually enter their financial information. Some students in this scenario may still be encountering trouble submitting the form – the Department is aware of these issues and is working on resolutions. You can read more here.
Upcoming Events
Register for a FREE FAFSA Workshop hosted by Spartanburg Academic Movement.
New Events
FAFSA Workshop
June 20, 2024
Spartanburg Community College Downtown Campus
4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Before the workshop:
Create Your FSA ID – both the student and one parent will need their own ID.
What to bring:
Prior to the FAFSA Workshop, please make sure parent(s) and student have the following information so that the FAFSA for 2024-2025 can be completed.
Seniors and parents must create a FAFSA ID within 3 days before the Financial Aid Counselor arrives for the event.
Parents provide 2022 taxes. (seniors must provide 2022 taxes if they work)
Both parents and seniors must be present to complete FAFSA.
Both parent and student, please have your cell phone present with you.
If you are locked out of your account and cannot reset your account, please call Department of Education 1-800-433-3243.
Need more information? Contact Meghan Smith at msmith@learnwithsam.org
Can’t make it to a workshop?
No worries! Help is still available through SMC’s Financial Aid team. Schedule a FREE one-on-one session with them today!