Indiana Commissioner for Higher Education Teresa Lubbers joined more than 200 students and staff at Charles A. Tindley Accelerated School today to kick off the state’s annual Cash for College campaign. The statewide effort aims to help Hoosiers of all ages pay for education beyond high school with a series of activities leading up to Indiana’s March 10th deadline for filing the FAFSA—Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
“Indiana has one of most generous need-based financial aid systems in the country, but every year thousands of Hoosiers miss out by failing to file the FAFSA by Indiana’s March 10th filing deadline,” said Lubbers. “With Cash for College, we’re sending a clear message to that the resources and help are there, but students and families have to take specific steps to make it happen.”
The state is encouraging local schools and communities to host regional “FAFSA Friday” events throughout the month of February with financial aid experts who can provide step-by-step assistance on filing the FAFSA, opening College 529 Savings plans and more. FAFSA Fridays are designed to build upon College Goal Sunday, the annual FAFSA-filing event that will take place on February 22nd this year at 36 locations across Indiana.
Free Cash for College Resources
The Cash for College website at CashforCollegeIndiana.org offers a variety of helpful tips and free resources for K-12 students, current college students and returning adult students, including the Indiana College Costs Estimator. Available online or as a mobile app at IndianaCollegeCosts.org, the free tools offers side-by-side cost comparisons that show how much students should expect to pay out-of-pocket at each Indiana college once various sources of financial aid are applied, as well as details on local scholarship opportunities.
Student Contests and School Grants
The Commission for Higher Education sponsors contest and grant opportunities for each of its three annual Learn More Indiana campaigns throughout the year. One student in each grade across the state will be chosen from the entries to win $529 in an Indiana CollegeChoice 529 savings plan and schools can win $1,000 college-readiness grants by sharing their efforts to increase students’ financial preparation. See deadlines and application details at CashforCollegeIndiana.org.
Learn More Indiana
Led by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, Learn More Indiana is a partnership of state and local organizations working to help Hoosiers of all ages complete education and training beyond high school. In print, in person, online and on the phone, Learn More Indiana helps students plan, prepare and pay for college and career success. Learn more at LearnMoreIndiana.org.