Students can still apply for FAFSA
To the editor:
February is Financial Aid Awareness month and a great time for students to start planning for the 2009-10 academic year.
OCCC students are encouraged to complete the 2009-2010 Free Application for Federal Student Aid online as early as possible.
The FAFSA is the first step students must take to be considered for federal financial aid programs and state grants such as the Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant. OTAG has a priority deadline of April 15.
It is also not too late for students to complete the 2008-09 FAFSA to be considered for financial aid for the spring 2009 and summer 2009 semesters. Students currently enrolled in courses but have not completed the 2008-09 FAFSA should do so.
After students have completed the 2008-09 FAFSA, summer aid can be evaluated simply by providing the Financial Aid Office with a copy of their summer schedule.
Financial Aid plays a key role in student success, especially during the current economic times.
According to the College Board, college students around the country received more than $143 billion in financial assistance during the 2007-08 academic year.
The financial aid office at OCCC estimates that approximately 8,000 OCCC students will receive nearly $27 million for the 2008-09 academic year.
For more information about important deadlines and how to apply for financial aid, visit the Financial Aid Office website at www.occc.edu/FinancialAid.
—Alicia Harris
Financial Services
Assistant Director
