Friday, February 24, 2012
 
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Lincoln College workshop on financial aid open all day Saturday

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[February 24, 2012]  Lincoln College will host a "Financial Aid Workshop" on their Lincoln campus this weekend.

The event is scheduled for 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. Saturday in the college's four computer labs, located in Dooley Hall.

The workshop is open to both current and prospective Lincoln College students and the entire Logan County community. No appointments are necessary.

"The financial aid process, especially the FAFSA, can be confusing," said Tony Cardenas, Lincoln College vice president of enrollment management and student services. "During the workshop, we will be offering the assistance of our financial aid office and our admissions staff. All of these individuals have extensive experience with the financial aid process.

"Their expertise is something we want the entire community to benefit from, not just Lincoln College students."

Much of the work at the workshop will revolve around the FAFSA. The FAFSA is an application for financial assistance through federal and state governments. A large majority of college students complete the FAFSA each year.

Like other institutions of higher education, Lincoln College is advising local students with plans to attend college next year to complete the FAFSA as early as possible. The state of Illinois distributes grant money -- as much as $5,000 annually for a college student -- to those eligible who have filed their FAFSA by a state-specified date in the spring.

In 2011, the "cut-off date" for grant money came in March, which was earlier than previous years. Many experts are predicting the date to come even earlier in 2012. Students who miss the deadline will not be eligible for the grant money through the state of Illinois.

"It is very, very important for families to complete their FAFSA as soon as possible. Do not procrastinate," said Cardenas. "Attending the workshop is just one way to gain a better understanding of this process. We are here to help."

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Lincoln College is also advising anyone who plans on attending the marathon workshop to register for a Personal Identification Number prior to attending. Students and parents can register for a PIN at www.pin.ed.gov. A PIN is required for both students and parents.

In addition, the college is recommending that attendees do their best to provide:

  • A copy of any completed 2011 federal tax forms for both the student and the parent. If 2011 taxes are not completed, the W-2 can be used to determine a financial aid estimate.

  • Information on any other income, including Social Security benefits.

  • Financial statements with balances of checking and savings accounts for student and parents.

  • Financial statements showing the value of investments, such as stocks and bonds.

  • Both student and parent birth dates and Social Security numbers.

With any questions that are preliminary in nature, parents and students may contact Celia Jeckel in the financial aid office at 732-3155, ext. 231.

[Text from file received from Lincoln College]

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