Higher Ed Utah

SALT LAKE CITY – Frightened by the FAFSA? The Utah Higher Education Assistance Authority (UHEAA)is ready to rescue you by sponsoring several events throughout the state to aid students and their families in preparation for their college education. As a service to the community, UHEAA is providing free professional assistance with filling out and filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which could help ease the burden of those facing the price tag on a college education.

These statewide FAFSA events are open to the public from late January through early March at several public high schools and community centers, as well as online classrooms. In addition to the assistance received at a UHEAA FAFSA Night, the organization is offering a chance to win an iPod Touch (by registering at uheaa.org for the night you will be attending) and will even be giving away iTunes gift cards at each event.

The FAFSA must be completed annually by all current and prospective college students in the U.S. who are seeking financial aid to determine their eligibility. “Completing the FAFSA is the one and only gateway to federal financial aid like Pell grants and government-sponsored student loans. Many private scholarships also require completion of the FAFSA,” said UHEAA Associate Executive Director Michael Nemelka. “Don’t fall for the myths about the FAFSA like ‘I won’t qualify for anything’, or ‘It’s too time-consuming and difficult.’ Everyone thinking about a skilled-trade certificate or college degree should complete the FAFSA every year.” The best way to learn more is to attend a UHEAA FAFSA Night at your local high school.

If you are interested in attending a FAFSA Night, dates and times are on the Utah.com events calendar under the “Other Events” category.  You can also find a list of what you should bring with you to the event at: http://www.uheaa.org/fafsanight.  For additional details, please call Manager of Outreach Services, Stephen Rogers at: (801) 366-8460 Monday – Friday 8AM-5PM (MST).

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