INDIANA — Financial aid experts across Indiana are preparing to assist high school seniors and college-bound students in navigating the higher education funding process this fall during the state’s annual College Goal Sunday event.
Scheduled for Sunday, October 4, at 2:00 p.m. local time, the free, two-hour event will take place at 35 site locations across Indiana. Financial aid professionals from local colleges and universities will be on-site to provide hands-on help in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Why the FAFSA Matters
Completing the FAFSA is the critical first step for students seeking federal and state financial aid, including Pell Grants, institutional scholarships, student loans, and work-study opportunities.
For Indiana residents, filing the form on time is essential to secure state-level funding. While federal deadlines vary, Indiana’s priority deadline to guarantee eligibility for state grant aid—including the Frank O’Bannon Grant and the 21st Century Scholarship—is April 15.
Key Event Details & What to Bring
- Date & Time: Sunday, October 4, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. local time.
- Locations: 35 hosting venues statewide, including local Ivy Tech Community College campuses, Indiana University regional locations, Purdue University branches, and area high schools.
- Cost: Free and open to all college-bound students and families.
- Incentive: Students who attend and submit the required event feedback form will be entered to win one of five $1,000 educational prizes awarded by Indiana College Goal Sunday.
To ensure a smooth filing process, participating students and parents are advised to bring the following items to their local host site:
- Student and parent Social Security numbers or Alien Registration numbers.
- Federal income tax returns, W-2 forms, and other records of money earned.
- Bank account statements and records of investments or untaxed income.
- FSA ID (Federal Student Aid account login credentials), which can be created prior to the event at StudentAid.gov.
Organized by the Indiana Student Financial Aid Association (ISFAA) in cooperation with the Indiana Commission for Higher Education and funded in part by Lilly Endowment Inc., College Goal Sunday has helped tens of thousands of Hoosier students access post-secondary education funds over its 37-year history.
A complete list of host site addresses and preparation guidelines can be found by visiting the official program site at CollegeGoalSunday.org.
