FAFSA Completion Resources

5/13/2024

 

With billions of dollars in financial aid awarded every year, there is no better time to complete your FAFSA and access money for college or career school. To see what aid you qualify for, complete your FAFSA or Minnesota Dream Act application today. Click here to view a printable fact sheet with FAFSA completion resources.

Why is the FAFSA important?

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form is an online application used to award state, federal, and college-based financial aid. Whether you are attending a 2-year college, 4-year university, or a career or trade school, filling out the FAFSA is the most important step in accessing free money for college. The FAFSA and Minnesota Dream Act are your applications for the Minnesota State Grant, North Star Promise and more financial aid.

For Minnesotans with undocumented status, the state’s Dream Act application is an online form that is also used to apply for state and college based financial aid. See if you are eligible for the Dream Act.

Don’t think you’ll qualify? Think again!

Over $2.5 billion is awarded to undergraduates in Minnesota every school year. This number includes federal, state, and college-based grants, scholarships and loans. The majority of students will receive some type of aid, so it is always worth the time to complete this free application. 

Resources for students and families

Are you looking for support in your financial aid application process? Use the resources below to get assistance:

• Federal FAFSA hotline: 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243)
• Minnesota Office of Higher Education hotline: 1-651-642-0567 or 1-800-657-3866, Press 2
• Contact your high school college and career counselor
• Contact the financial aid office of the college you enrolled in
• Are you attending a Minnesota State Community and Technical College? Access the resource and financial aid contact page here.
• Are you attending a private college in Minnesota? Access the resource and financial aid contact page here.
• Are you attending a University of Minnesota campus? Access the resource and financial aid contact page here.

Make an appointment - Statewide one-on-one FAFSA support

Minnesota students and families statewide can make a one-on-one appointment to get support with their FAFSA or Minnesota Dream Act application. The college access group, College Possible, has staff who are ready and able to assist. Make an appointment on their website at www.collegepossiblefafsa.org.

Support for Minneapolis Public Schools and Saint Paul Public Schools students

Achieve Twin Cities is offering one-on-one FAFSA or Minnesota Dream Act support. If you are a student who attends a high school in the Minneapolis Public Schools or Saint Paul Public Schools district, connect with a team member at your school and make an appointment at: www.achievetwincities.org/career-and-college-readiness-centers

Chatbot offering text and web-based support

Use the free Wyatt Chatbot resource to receive FAFSA support 24/7. The Wyatt chatbot is designed for high school seniors, as well as any student who is looking for support in completing their FAFSA. Access the resource at www.getfafsahelp.org/northstar/.

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Resources for organizations supporting FAFSA completion

ECMC Student Support Strategy Initiative

The ECMC Group is offering funding to organizations that support students in FAFSA completion. Apply to receive funding from the ECMC Student Support Strategy Initiative by completing the online form. You may also contact the team via email (FAFSAsupport@ecmc.org) if you have questions about the submission process. Learn more about the ECMC Student Support Strategy Initiative.

Co-host a FAFSA completion event with College Possible staff

Want to schedule a FAFSA and Minnesota Dream Act event at your school or in your community? College Possible is available to come to your school or community space to co-host an event. Staff with expertise in navigating this year’s FAFSA hurdles are available to offer summer support at no cost. In addition to supporting students at the event, College Possible will provide follow-up support to students, ensuring they successfully submit their FAFSA or Minnesota Dream Act application. Learn more about co-hosting an event on the College Possible website.

Printable resource

Click the image below to view the Complete FAFSA Now Fact Sheet: