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Last updated on Friday, March 8, 2013
(UNDATED) - To be considered for state financial aid for the 2013-2014 academic year, prospective Indiana college students’ Free Applications for Federal Student Aid (FAFSAs) must be filed and received at the federal Central Processor by midnight on Sunday.
Available online at Fafsa.ed.gov, the FAFSA should be completed by all high school seniors and any other Hoosiers planning to attend college in the fall of 2013.
"Even if you're not sure whether you'll attend college in the fall, it's critical that you file the FAFSA on time," said Indiana Commissioner for Higher Education Teresa Lubbers. "This single form determines your eligibility for all of Indiana's grants and scholarships, and most colleges require it to be considered for their scholarships."
In addition to the March 10 deadline, students must correct any errors to their FAFSA, known as edits, by May 15 in order to remain eligible for financial aid. State financial aid programs, subject to the above deadlines, include:
- 21st Century Scholarship. The 21st Century Scholars program provides up to four years of college financial aid to income-eligible students who enroll in the program and fulfill a pledge of good citizenship. High school seniors enrolled in the Scholars program must complete both the FAFSA and an affirmation form certifying they have fulfilled their Scholars pledge by March 10.
- Frank O'Bannon. Need-based financial aid is provided to Hoosier students who meet the FAFSA deadlines and attend eligible Indiana colleges on a full-time basis.
- National Guard Supplemental Grant. Eligible members of the Indiana Air and Army National Guard who meet the FAFSA deadlines may receive up to 100 percent of tuition costs at public Indiana colleges.
Additional eligibility and application requirements may be necessary to receive state financial aid.
What you need to complete the FAFSA
Students filing the FAFSA will need their and their parents' (if applicable) 2012 tax information (including 1040 and W-2 forms) and Social Security numbers. Families who have not filed their 2012 taxes should use estimated figures to submit the FAFSA by March 10 and then will need to update the information by May 15. Both students and parents also will need to have a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to sign the FAFSA. Students and parents who need to apply for a PIN should visit pin.ed.gov.
More FAFSA Help
FAFSA help is available from Learn More Indiana's annual Cash for College campaign. CashForCollegeIndiana.org offers a step-by-step FAFSA video tutorial and printer-friendly guides. Students also can learn more about all scholarships and grants available from the state of Indiana.
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