FAFSA 101

FAFSA 101

August 20, 2024 | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Students may need to secure financial aid to pursue higher education, yet find the process challenging. United Way of Central Minnesota (UWCM) has been awarded a grant from the Educational Credit Management Corporation (ECMC) to enhance awareness and provide essential support to individuals completing their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2024-25 academic year.

The 2024-25 FAFSA application cycle brings significant changes to the application process, including a new form, eligibility criteria, terminology, requirements for parents and caregivers and a shorter timeline for submission. United Way of Central Minnesota and many local partners are providing FREE, personalized support and guidance to help applicants successfully navigate these changes. Sessions are offered across the community and give one-on-one support to applicants, making the FAFSA process more accessible and less intimidating.

The next session will be on Tuesday, August 20 at Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School in the Community Room from 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Additional sessions will be on:

Registration is appreciated, but not required.

If you would like help filling out the FAFSA at the session, please bring the following:

  • Your Federal Student Aid (FSA) IDs (Ideally this should be done prior to joining the session,)
  • Parents'/Guardians' social security number if filling out for a dependent student
  • Tax returns
  • Records of any child support received
  • Current balances of cash, savings and checking accounts
  • Net worth of investments, businesses and farm

Sessions are made possible through collaboration among St. Cloud Area School District, Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools, St. Cloud State University, College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University, St. Cloud Technical and Community College, Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota, Central Minnesota Community Empowerment Center, Too Much Talent, Career Solutions, Fahan Organization, Hooyoo Hour Organization and United Way of Central Minnesota.